A Thanet councillor says 'justice has been done' after she was cleared of destroying council records relating to a dog mess identification scheme.

Suzanne Brimm, who represents Birchington South, appeared in court today after charges were brought by the Information Commissioner.

The case was heard at Canterbury Magistrates Court after being moved from Folkestone.

The independent councillor was found not guilty of deliberately concealing data in response to FOI requests made to the authority between July 31, 2017, and September 2 and 5, 2017.

Ms Brimm pleaded guilty to a further offence relating to handling personal data.

The former Ukipper says the stress leading up to the hearing had been awful. She said: "I feel justice has been served today. It's been incredibly stressful and I've been vilified. My lawyer, who I was put in contact with via a Whistleblowers charity, will send out a statement.'

The former electrician is being supported by a leading human rights lawyer.

Ms Brimm was given an absolute discharge, which means she will face no punishment.