Reform UK councillor Emma Beck, elected in May's local elections to represent Thatto Heath ward on St Helens Council, has had her conviction for assault quashed after an appeal was upheld.
Appeal heard at Liverpool Crown Court
St Helens Council said the appeal was heard at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday August 21, where a panel made up of a judge and two magistrates unanimously agreed that Cllr Beck had committed no wrongdoing.
The ECHO has clarified the result of the appeal with Liverpool Crown Court.
Background to the conviction
In May it was revealed that Cllr Beck had previously been found guilty of assault. The BBC first reported that Ms Beck was working as a bouncer at a bar in St Helens town centre at the time.
Public information about the case first appeared on a plea hearing on the standard court list for Merseyside Magistrates Courts on July 16, 2025. The charge against Ms Beck confirmed an incident took place on April 6, 2025, and involved an alleged assault "by beating" another woman. Ms Beck pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Trial and sentence
Following a trial, Ms Beck was found guilty of common assault and battery at South Sefton Magistrates' Court in Bootle on January 15, and sentenced to a £180 fine, alongside an order to pay the victim £100 in compensation.
When the ECHO reported on the situation in May of this year, Reform UK said that Cllr Beck was in the process of appealing the conviction and that the party was awaiting the outcome of the legal process before commenting further.
Cllr Beck continues to serve ward
St Helens Council added that Cllr Beck continues to serve her ward in Thatto Heath and the residents of St Helens.
