IT is never gratifying to see a person laid low, especially one who has served his community for many years.

That is why we take absolutely no satisfaction in what has befallen Swindon’s former mayor, Nick Martin.

However, responsibility for what has happened is his and his alone.

It was Coun Martin who referred to people with disabilities by the foul term ‘mongols,’ and Coun Martin whose words suggested revulsion at the thought of their having sexual relationships.

It was Coun Martin who failed to apologise and resign in a timely manner. Indeed, he initially denied the allegations, clung tenaciously to office and even now seems unaware of - or unwilling to acknowledge - the true nature of his utterances.

He seems to suggest, for example, that he used the word in question because it was common during his youth. Does he seriously contend that this in any way excuses his use of it now?

His assertion that he was merely expressing curiosity about an important issue is also, frankly, incredible.

This rotten affair could have ended months ago, had Coun Martin done the decent thing or had certain of his fellow councillors had the moral courage to oblige him to do so.

What has happened instead is that our community is now associated worldwide with comments which were nothing less than sickening.

Every councillor – and there are many - who supported him, made excuses or evaded the issue is morally as culpable as Coun Martin himself.