AFTER almost nine months, finally a ruling has been made that Lord Mayor Alan Armitage did utter an inappropriate phrase to a schoolgirl while he was on an official engagement.

There are differing accounts but the crux of the matter is that the word “sexy” was almost certainly said by Mr Armitage – and the man himself cannot be categorical against that in his denial.

Being realistic, Mr Armitage is not a raging sexual predator who is a danger to young girls and this is certainly not on the scale of the scandal currently damaging his party nationally.

But it was incredibly stupid and what is really concerning is Mr Armitage’s reaction to yesterday’s finding.

Of course he should defend himself if he feels he is innocent.

But to continue yesterday – after being found guilty of bringing his historic office and the council into disrepute – to deny that uttering the word sexy to a schoolgirl is in anyway wrong displays a complete lack of self-awareness. He fails to appreciate the gravity of the situation or how adults must conduct themselves in relation to minors.

It is this stance that is almost more damaging to Mr Armitage’s position as Mayor than a moment’s crass stupidity.