A NEWPORT councillor has appeared in court charged with kerb crawling in the city.

Chris Evans, 56, faces an allegation of soliciting a prostitute on Commercial Road in Pill on May 25.

The independent councillor, of Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, did not enter a plea and was granted conditional bail at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court.

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He is due to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on January 6.

Evans, who used to be employed by The National's publisher Newsquest, was represented by Rod Young and the prosecution by Jessica Edwards.

When asked if the charge would affect Evans’ position on the council or committee duties, a Newport City Council spokesperson said: “The council is unable to comment on private matters relating to any councillor, particularly where there are ongoing legal proceedings.”

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