Former mayor of Barnet Cllr Brian Coleman has been charged with assaulting a woman in Finchley last month.

Cllr Coleman, 51, who represents Totteridge ward, was arrested following an alleged incident involving a woman in High Road, Finchley, on September 20.

Today, he was charged at a north London police station with assault by beating and driving without due care and attention.

He was bailed to appear at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on November 5.

A Barnet Council spokeswoman confirmed Cllr Coleman would continue as a ward councillor.

She said: “The council is aware that Cllr Brian Coleman has been charged with criminal offences and is due to appear before Hendon Magistrates’ Court on November 5.

“The matter is therefore subject to judicial process and it would not be appropriate for the council to make any further comment that could be prejudicial to that process.

“Cllr Coleman continues as a ward councillor, his committee membership and chairmanship is a matter for full council.”