Councillor Collin Brewer's remarks were described as 'depraved' but he is refusing to quit
© DailyMail
Councillor Collin Brewer's remarks were described as 'depraved' but he is refusing to quit
A councillor who told charity workers that disabled children should be put down is defying calls for him to quit.

Collin Brewer, 68, declared that such youngsters were a drain on society.

Though he has apologised and now admits his comments were 'ill-judged and insensitive', Mr Brewer refused to stand down last night.

He had just emerged from a council meeting when he walked up to a stall set up in county hall run by the Disability Cornwall charity.

Charity member Theresa Court explained to him how the group helps parents of children with special educational needs.

But he responded by saying: 'Disabled children cost the council too much money and should be put down.'

Mrs Court said the 'depraved' comment left her feeling horrified and the charity complained to the council's standards committee.

Mr Brewer said he made his comments because he was 'hot under the collar' following a long meeting and was trying to 'provoke a reaction'.

The standards committee told Mr Brewer, an independent councillor for 25 years, to apologise and he has written to the charity.

He said at his home yesterday: 'We had had a difficult morning deciding on budget and job cuts. I listened to one of the ladies on the Disability Cornwall stall and came out with the comment. If only I had not said that.

'I didn't mean it. I did it to provoke a response and debate the issue of service costs provision. It backfired. I was treating her with a lack of respect and I shouldn't have done it. I meant no offence. I would defend disabled children to the last.

'We all make mistakes. It is not something I would consider resigning over. I believe I am doing a good job.'

Mr Brewer's apology letter in which he acknowledges his comments were 'ill-judged and insensitive'
© UnknownMr Brewer's apology letter in which he acknowledges his comments were 'ill-judged and insensitive'
letter, stamp
© UnknownTheresa Court, who Mr Brewer made the comment to, said she was unhappy with the apology which 'might as well have been screwed up' and came in an envelope with a second class stamp
Mr Brewer took to the airwaves to repeat his apology - but listeners bombarded BBC Radio Cornwall with messages.

Sue Benny, who has a disabled son, said: 'I'm glad I don't know who he is because I would deck him.'

Mr Brewer made his comments during an information event at the county hall in Truro.

Mrs Court said: 'I was absolutely horrified anyone would make such a depraved comment.'

Katie Price with her disabled son
© UnknownKatie Price with her disabled son, condemned Mr Brewer's comments saying 'many disabled [people] contribute more to society than Mr Brewer'
Disability Cornwall described his apology as an insult after it was delivered by second class post

Mr Brewer's letter of apology said: 'While I meant no offence by my remarks to you, I can see that they were ill-judged and insensitive.'

But Steve Paget, of Disability Cornwall, said the apology wasn't enough and Mr Brewer should go. 'It is of great concern that anyone with such beliefs could be an elected member of our local authority,' he said.

Richard Hawkes, of disability charity Scope, added: 'Comments such as this have no place in modern society.' Dan Scorer of Mencap said the 'inexcusable' remarks 'hark back to dark episodes in history'.