"Secret Nazi" Housing Boss is Sacked

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Gareth Mead dismissed for gross misconduct

Gareth Mead, the Hammersmith and Fulham Council housing boss who was suspended following revelations by a Sunday newspaper that he had a bizarre Nazi fetish, has been sacked following a disciplinary hearing on Friday March 19.

Mead, 44 reportedly earned £90,000 a year in his role as Assistant Director with Housing Options, which involved helping people from all backgrounds to avoid becoming homeless.

Last weekend the Sunday Mirror revealed he had sent violent, racist and anti-semitic texts to men he met on websites dedicated to gay men who are into leather and uniforms.

He also posed for pictures in front of swastikas and wearing Nazi regalia.

When confronted by the newspaper, Mead admitted sending the texts, but said: " It's a private fetish - I'm not interested in anything political and I'm not a racist. There are Jewish men who do this as well."

After the hearing, the council's chief executive, Geoff Alltimes, said: " Councillors, managers and staff have been shocked, saddened and sickened by Mr Mead's admissions.

"The council has acted quickly and decisively following the grossly offensive racist and anti-Semitic content highlighted in the media coverage."

 

March 19, 2010