A MAN who registered his dog to vote in tomorrow's local elections could face jail or a £5,000 fine.
Gavin Huckvale, from Toothill, has had to tuck his tail between his legs and write a grovelling apology to Swindon Council's director of law and democratic services, Stephen Taylor.
If the letter does not arrive today Gavin could be prosecuted for the offence of supplying false electoral information.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 51 weeks' imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.
Gavin, 29, told the Adver earlier this month that his dog, Bobby, had been sent a polling card and hinted that it would be interesting to see how far he could take it.
Asked at the time whether he had put Bobby's name on the electoral roll as a joke Gavin said he hadn't.
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But after a visit by the police, prompted by Swindon Council, Gavin has now admitted that it is definitely his handwriting on the list.
He said: "I just don't have any idea how I've done this. I must be cracking up.
"I must have put it down completely unconsciously - it certainly wasn't a practical joke.
"I don't know how to explain it. I know it sounds crazy but it really was a mistake.
"If I'd known that it was me who had put the dog's name down I wouldn't have gone to the press and made all that fuss."
Mr Taylor said: "Because of Mr Huckvale's statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn't put his dog's name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.
"False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog's name on it.
"I was concerned that him taking the dog to a polling station to vote would make the situation worse, put the polling station staff in a difficult position, and could inconvenience voters.
"Also, the council was clearly being accused of incompetence and an electoral error when this was not the case.
"I was asked by the police whether I would accept a written apology from Mr Huckvale. I confirmed that I would, provided that it was sent immediately and publicised in the same manner as the original article, with the Advertiser also being sent a copy of the letter.
"In this way, the integrity of the electoral system would be protected with the residents of Swindon being assured that deliberately giving false electoral information is a serious matter and will be treated as such."
Gavin said: "I've sent a letter to Mr Taylor saying that I'm sorry and I've sent the polling card back as well, so Bobby definitely won't be voting.
"He didn't like the look of the candidates anyway."
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 11:34am Wed 30 Apr 08
mr big, they only become a joke because of the apathy of voters. Those same voters are probably the ones who have shouted the loudest over local issues. You do not deserve representation without participation. I do however think it is time there was a box on the paper that said None of the Above. I also believe at a Local level there should be no party reference, in that way candidates would have to engage with the public and not just rely on having safe party seat. Something that was alluded to if I switched allegiance, to another party. If the perception of Local Politics has reached that of National and European Politics, then we are in serious trouble.
mr big, they only become a joke because of the apathy of voters. Those same voters are probably the ones who have shouted the loudest over local issues. You do not deserve representation without participation. I do however think it is time there was a box on the paper that said None of the Above. I also believe at a Local level there should be no party reference, in that way candidates would have to engage with the public and not just rely on having safe party seat. Something that was alluded to if I switched allegiance, to another party. If the perception of Local Politics has reached that of National and European Politics, then we are in serious trouble.
Posted by: Donkey, Swindon on 12:03pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Sadly, this character deserves all he gets, and I hope he is made an example of.
Making a mockery of filling out his entry into the electoral records has to be seen for what it is. He would have read the consequences, he is clearly not a fool, entirely!
Supposing a person inserted ficticious names on their application to vote, they would surely be come down upon with the full force of the law.
This person is making fools out of everyone, if he thinks we buy his lame and very stupid excuse!
Sadly, this character deserves all he gets, and I hope he is made an example of.
Making a mockery of filling out his entry into the electoral records has to be seen for what it is. He would have read the consequences, he is clearly not a fool, entirely!
Supposing a person inserted ficticious names on their application to vote, they would surely be come down upon with the full force of the law.
This person is making fools out of everyone, if he thinks we buy his lame and very stupid excuse!
People who have just
emigrated abroad.
Their voting cards have still been delivered to the house
where new owners now live. What Is to stop these votes being used
People who have just
emigrated abroad.
Their voting cards have still been delivered to the house
where new owners now live. What Is to stop these votes being used
Posted by: Al Smith, Swindon, UK on 12:39pm Wed 30 Apr 08
The UK voting was highlighted in a recent internation report as being open to abuse, as this shows.
Sadly the UK system is based on old fashioned concepts such as trust and honesty.
The UK voting was highlighted in a recent internation report as being open to abuse, as this shows.
Sadly the UK system is based on old fashioned concepts such as trust and honesty.
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 12:45pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Shimmie[/bold] wrote:
What a muppet. [italic]"I just don't have any idea how I've done this..."[/italic] Yeah, right![/quote] Every thing said isso true, take away his right, was he looking for sympathy
Shimmie wrote:
What a muppet. "I just don't have any idea how I've done this..." Yeah, right!
Every thing said isso true, take away his right, was he looking for sympathy
Posted by: DarkAuror, Swindon on 12:46pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Donkey[/bold] wrote:
Sadly, this character deserves all he gets, and I hope he is made an example of. Making a mockery of filling out his entry into the electoral records has to be seen for what it is. He would have read the consequences, he is clearly not a fool, entirely! Supposing a person inserted ficticious names on their application to vote, they would surely be come down upon with the full force of the law. This person is making fools out of everyone, if he thinks we buy his lame and very stupid excuse![/quote] Unless you live in Zimbabwe, where 3,000 registered voters lived in the same 10m x 10m patch of land.
Donkey wrote:
Sadly, this character deserves all he gets, and I hope he is made an example of. Making a mockery of filling out his entry into the electoral records has to be seen for what it is. He would have read the consequences, he is clearly not a fool, entirely! Supposing a person inserted ficticious names on their application to vote, they would surely be come down upon with the full force of the law. This person is making fools out of everyone, if he thinks we buy his lame and very stupid excuse!
Unless you live in Zimbabwe, where 3,000 registered voters lived in the same 10m x 10m patch of land.
He didn't know how it happened - Yeah pull the other one - more like he didn't think the Council would do anything about it despite trying to make them look stupid.
Electoral fraud is a serious issue and idiots don't deserve sympathy.
He didn't know how it happened - Yeah pull the other one - more like he didn't think the Council would do anything about it despite trying to make them look stupid.
Electoral fraud is a serious issue and idiots don't deserve sympathy.
Posted by: Terence, Swindon on 1:39pm Wed 30 Apr 08
He wanted his name and photograph in the paper and din't think of the consequences, fine him £5000 (if he still maintains he can't remember signing the paper then fine him £5000 and send him to jail).
He wanted his name and photograph in the paper and din't think of the consequences, fine him £5000 (if he still maintains he can't remember signing the paper then fine him £5000 and send him to jail).
Posted by: cookie, swindon on 4:42pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Seems like a very nice candidate for counciller, when presented with an issue he strenuously denies even being involved and uses deflection and temporary madness as his defence!!
Stop wasting tax payers money, a joke gone wrong, nobody hurt probably a vote abstainer anyway. A simple letter of comdemnation would have surficed!
Oh, and Bobby for Prime minister!!
Seems like a very nice candidate for counciller, when presented with an issue he strenuously denies even being involved and uses deflection and temporary madness as his defence!!
Stop wasting tax payers money, a joke gone wrong, nobody hurt probably a vote abstainer anyway. A simple letter of comdemnation would have surficed!
Posted by: No Angel, Swindon on 6:05pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote]Mr Taylor said: "Because of Mr Huckvale's statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn't put his dog's name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.
"False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog's name on it.
"I was concerned that him taking the dog to a polling station to vote would make the situation worse, put the polling station staff in a difficult position, and could inconvenience voters.
"Also, the council was clearly being accused of incompetence and an electoral error when this was not the case.[/quote]
Well Done Stephen. Alan and your electoral team have a hard enough job of things without idiots like this trying to make the Electoral Services department look incompetent. [bold][italic]Personally I think he should have been made an example of and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.[/italic][/bold]
Mr Taylor said: "Because of Mr Huckvale's statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn't put his dog's name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.
"False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog's name on it.
"I was concerned that him taking the dog to a polling station to vote would make the situation worse, put the polling station staff in a difficult position, and could inconvenience voters.
"Also, the council was clearly being accused of incompetence and an electoral error when this was not the case.
Well Done Stephen. Alan and your electoral team have a hard enough job of things without idiots like this trying to make the Electoral Services department look incompetent. Personally I think he should have been made an example of and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Posted by: No Angel, Swindon on 6:05pm Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote]Mr Taylor said: "Because of Mr Huckvale's statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn't put his dog's name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.
"False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog's name on it.
"I was concerned that him taking the dog to a polling station to vote would make the situation worse, put the polling station staff in a difficult position, and could inconvenience voters.
"Also, the council was clearly being accused of incompetence and an electoral error when this was not the case.[/quote]
Well Done Stephen. Alan and your electoral team have a hard enough job of things without idiots like this trying to make the Electoral Services department look incompetent. [bold][italic]Personally I think he should have been made an example of and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.[/italic][/bold]
Mr Taylor said: "Because of Mr Huckvale's statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn't put his dog's name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.
"False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog's name on it.
"I was concerned that him taking the dog to a polling station to vote would make the situation worse, put the polling station staff in a difficult position, and could inconvenience voters.
"Also, the council was clearly being accused of incompetence and an electoral error when this was not the case.
Well Done Stephen. Alan and your electoral team have a hard enough job of things without idiots like this trying to make the Electoral Services department look incompetent. Personally I think he should have been made an example of and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Posted by: No Angel, Swindon on 2:03pm Thu 1 May 08
Just think of the cost of the time wasted by this prank. Councill Officer Time finding and rechecking his forms. Police time visiting him. [bold][italic]And who pays the bill..... we do.[/italic][/bold]
Just think of the cost of the time wasted by this prank. Councill Officer Time finding and rechecking his forms. Police time visiting him. And who pays the bill..... we do.
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