David Murray resigns as Pitt Meadows councillor following sexual assault conviction

Pitt Meadows Mayor John Becker says Councillor David Murray has resigned from city council.

Murray was convicted of sexual assaultlast week and pressure was growing for the politician to give up his seat.

Becker says he asked to meet with Murray over the issue. They met Sunday and Becker said he asked for Murray's resignation.

"He had to know that my demand for his resignation did not come from a place of punishment nor a place of political opportunism, but rather from my concern from what was in the best interests of my community," said Becker in an interview Sunday.

"I can tell you as of [Sunday] David Murray no longer represents the City ofPittMeadows in any capacity whatsoever."

On his Facebook account, Becker said a meeting willtake place Monday morning to finalize the resignation.

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Murray was convicted of sexual assault in Port Coquitlam provincial court Oct. 25. A charge of sexual interference was previously stayed by the Crown.

The sexual assault, which took place nearly 25 years ago, involved a young person whose identity is protected by a publication ban

Court documents say the incidents took place between January and December of 1992.

Murray is not due back in court until January to arrange a sentencing date.

Public pressure

CouncillorTracy Miyashitasays she is relieved Murray finally resigned.

"If he had stayed that would send just the wrong terrible message to [the victim] as well as any victim of sexual abuse," Miyashitasaid.

She thankedPitt Meadowsresidents who she says pressedfor Murray's resignation.

"I really think it is due to the public pressure that has been out there on social media, the emails that we've been receiving that led to his decision to step down," she said.

Becker says he and his remaining councillors will now work to address what they call a gap in B.C.'s Community Charter the rules for municipal governance.

Underthose rules, elected officials can be removed from office for concerns such as conflict of interest or failing to attend meetings, but not for having a criminal record.

"That is a completely unacceptable situation," said Becker.

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Becker is also hoping that Murray's resignation will bring a measure of closure for the victim,who was14 at the time.