Mayor upset by Bullock's latest offence

Jack Bullock

Wanganui's mayor says she's disappointed district councillor Jack Bullock has again appeared in the Whanganui District Court.

Mr Bullock appeared on Tuesday on a charge of driving while suspended.

He was stopped by police during a routine check in Moana St last month and told officers he thought the suspension had finished, the court heard.

Mr Bullock pleaded guilty, was fined $400 with court costs of $130 and disqualified from driving for a further six months.

It is not the first time the councillor has brushed with the law. In February last year he completed diversion and avoided prosecution for possession of cannabis.

He has also been before the Tenancy Tribunal because of unpaid rents.

Mayor Annette Main said she was "pretty disappointed" to see the councillor, now halfway through his second term, back in court and that "he will be well aware of this".

"Councillors are elected by our community, and I believe they have higher expectations of those they elect."

Under the Local Government Act, an elected member is disqualified from their office if they are convicted of an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or more. The possession charge Mr Bullock faced had a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment and/or a $500 fine.