This resource is from the News section. This page contains a statement by Len Duvall - statement in response to Andrew Gilligan Evening Standard column 30 April 2008

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• Len Duvall - statement in response to Andrew Gilligan Evening Standard column 30 April 2008

Len Duvall - statement in response to Andrew Gilligan Evening Standard column 30 April 2008

30 April 2008

The News of the World reported this news item on 25 November 2007.

Twenty nine years ago, in 1979, at the age of 17, Mr Duvall pleaded guilty and was convicted at Woolwich magistrates' court of carrying an offensive weapon - a piece of wood. He was fined and given a conditional discharge (12 months). Mr Duvall is now aged 47.

Mr Duvall declared the conviction before being appointed Chair of the MPA, and has always declared it (when necessary) before taking public office. The nature of the conviction was not an obstacle to him being appointed to the post.

Since the 1980s Mr Duvall has worked tirelessly to promote community safety in London, serving as leader of Greenwich Council and as a member of Greenwich police consultative group in the late 80s. In 1998 he was awarded an OBE for his contribution to London local government.

The following external websites are relevant:

• Metropolitan Police Service