A former councillor has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of criminal damage following a spate of vandalism.

Ian Driver, 63, was arrested yesterday by police investigating "anti-racist" graffiti sprayed at locations across Ramsgate and Broadstairs - including on The Dickens House museum.

The museum, in Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, was defaced with graffiti on Saturday night amid controversy over Dickens' views on slavery.

The same night, a street sign bearing the author's name was spray painted over.

Former Thanet district councillor Ian Driver, of Sea View Road in Broadstairs, was yesterday charged with seven counts of criminal damage.

One charge relates to an alleged offence in Broadstairs on June 13, while the other six relate to incidents that reportedly took place in Broadstairs and Ramsgate on Saturday.

Mr Driver appeared by virtual video link before Medway Magistrates' Court today and pleaded not guilty to each count.

He is next due to appear before Thanet Magistrates’ Court on September 25.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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