Former Barnet mayor Brian Coleman has been suspended from the Conservative Party after police charged him with assaulting a woman.

Cllr Coleman, 51, of Essex Park, Finchley, was arrested after an alleged incident involving a woman in High Road, Finchley, on September 20.

Last week, he was charged with assault by beating and driving without due care and attention.

Yesterday (October 30), Barnet Council leader Cllr Richard Cornelius released a statement confirming Cllr Coleman’s suspension from the Conservative Party.

He said: “Cllr Brian Coleman has today been suspended by the party board from his membership of the Conservative Party.

“This means that he will not be participating in the council as a Conservative until the legal process is completed. He remains innocent until proven guilty.”

A council spokeswoman confirmed Cllr Coleman remains a councillor for Totteridge ward.

He has been bailed to appear at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (November 5).