Gerard Woodhouse, 62, targeted Christine Banks with messages in the post
11:50, 24 Oct 2025Updated 12:26, 24 Oct 2025
Ex-councillor Gerard Woodhouse previously represented the County ward in north Liverpool (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
A former Liverpool councillor sent a series of vile cards to a former colleague after they fell out over a licensing issue. Between October 2023 and August this year, Gerard Woodhouse sent items in the post to Christine Banks in a campaign of harassment.
Woodhouse, 62, of Mayfair Close, pleaded guilty at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court this morning. The former Labour councillor sent cards to the home address of Cllr Banks, herself a member of the local authority, which were described as containing “insults and threats.”
The court heard how the pair had fallen out in 2020 after Cllr Banks, in her role as chair of Liverpool Council’s licensing committee, called out Woodhouse over a licensing matter. He will be sentenced on December 9.
Heather Bell, prosecuting, told the court how Cllr Banks reported harassment to the police in July last year after receiving a series of cards in the post unprompted. It was said the cards began to arrive in October 2023 and continued until the start of the following year.
Ms Bell said Cllr Banks, who represents the City Centre North ward, would receive up to five cards a day which were described as “inventive” in their nature.
In June 2024, ahead of the general election being called, the unwanted post began again, with some containing crude insults like “c***,” “scab” and “Judas.”
More cards were received in the post in July this year which Cllr Banks did not open. These were handed to Merseyside Police who tested them forensically and were able to establish they had been sent by Woodhouse.
Former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Christine Banks
Ms Bell said the post had caused “significant alarm, harassment and distress” to Cllr Banks. When interviewed by police, Woodhouse, who was a Labour councillor from 2010 until his deselection in 2022, offered no comment.
Kevin Kelly, defending, said Woodhouse suffered from a long-term mental health condition which may have impacted his behaviour during the period the cards were sent. Sentencing was adjourned with Woodhouse granted conditional bail.
Under the terms of the bail, he must not approach or contact Christine Banks via any means.
He is not permitted to attend Holly Cross Close or the Cunard Buildings – where Liverpool Council’s offices are located.
Ms Bell indicated costs of £85 would be sought from Woodhouse as well as the imposition of a restraining order against him.