A COUNCILLOR at the centre of a Hitler Youtube video storm which claimed that “a good German is a dead German” has spoken of his relief that the episode is over.
A court in Prestatyn this week heard how town councillor Mike German along with his wife Isobel, also a councillor, were featured in a “bizarre” Youtube footage along with another councillor, Peter Duffy.
The couple’s faces were superimposed on the body of Adolf Hitler while the face of Peter Duffy was added to a German sheepdog in the 14-minute clip posted on the popular video sharing website by Gary Bourne earlier this year. Bourne, aged 45, of Lon Eirlys, Prestatyn, admitted sending offensvie material by public communication network and was given a 12 month community order and carry out 40 hours of unpaid work.
District Judge Andrew Shaw said his actions were “highly insulting” and caused “enormous humiliation.
Bourne handed the juge a letter in which he “unreservedly apologised” for his actions.
He had told police he was making a political point about the councillors’ careers and meant no ill-will.
“It was more satirical than malicious,” he said.
Cllr German, was alerted to the video by fellow councillors in April.
He described the affair as unnerving. He said: “It was rather disconcerting to say the least. I didn’t know what to think to be honest.
“We rang the police and explained that it was just silliness. They were very sympathetic and considered it to be quite serious.
“I have been a councillor for nearly 25 years and have met some wonderful people some that have liked me and some that didn’t like me.
“It’s the most bizarre thing to be on the receiving end of. As far as we’re concerned this is now the end of it. I’m glad it’s all over.”