Councillor arrested for sex offence before death

A former mayor of Kirklees was arrested on suspicion of an online sexual offence in the days before his death, according to police.

Cahal Burke, who died on 9 March, had represented the ward of Lindley in Huddersfield as a Lib Dem councillor from 2010 until his suspension from the party on 4 March. He served as mayor for a year from 2023.

It has since come to light the 48-year-old of Dean Street, in Lindley, had been arrested last month and was on bail at the time of his death.

West Yorkshire Police said an investigation into the alleged offence remains ongoing.

A force spokesperson said: "Officers attended an address on Dean Street, Lindley, during the morning of Thursday, February 26 as part of an ongoing investigation.

"A 48-year-old man was arrested from an address on suspicion of an online sexual offence.

"He was released on bail and enquiries remain ongoing by Kirklees District Police."

Kirklees Council has been approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

John Lawson, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Kirklees Council, declined to comment.

Burke served as Mayor of Kirklees between 2023 and 2024, and took on the role of chair on the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Over the years, he held the posts of deputy Leader and group business manager of the Lib Dems, as well as sitting on planning and licensing committees.

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