Former Lib Dem facing child sex charges to run for police and crime commissioner

A former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate who is facing a series of child sex charges has announced he will run for police and crime commissioner in May's elections.

Jason Zadrozny, who stood for the party in Ashfield in 2010 and was selected to fight the seat in 2015, said he "vehemently" denies the charges, which include two counts of rape of a child under 16.

The 35-year-old, who is currently an independent councillor on Ashfield District and Nottinghamshire County councils, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with two counts of raping a boy under 16, three of sexual activity with a boy between 13 and 15, and four of indecent assault of a boy under 16.

Zadrozny, of Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, wore a dark suit and striped tie and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

His representative Mark Oates said his client would "vehemently deny the allegations" which date from 2003 to 2006.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe granted Zadrozny bail and he will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on April 27.

Speaking on the steps of Mansfield Magistrates' Court after the brief hearing, Zadrozny announced his intention to stand for Nottinghamshire's PCC in May's elections.

He said: "I am going to submit my paperwork to stand for the police and crime commissioner elections as an independent."

He dismissed the suggestion that fighting the election and fighting serious criminal allegations was "untenable" and said: "I am looking forward to my day in crown court.

"I don't want this to be dropped. I want to prove that I am innocent. I am confident.

"I wouldn't be standing here today with my reputation on the line, with my friends and family behind me ... I wouldn't be here if I wasn't 100% confident that I am not guilty."