The Flowers Band has issued a public statement concerning the legal case of former Band Manager and percussionist Lee Downie.

Downie recently admitted two offences of voyeurism and five of possessing or distributing child pornography at Gloucester Crown Court where he was bailed until January 27th for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register immediately.

Statement

The statement from Flowers Band is as follows:

'The trustee's and members of Flowers Band would like to publicly thank their many supporters who have been in touch confirming their support for the band and praising the band's dignified silence during recent events that have been publicised concerning our former Band Manager despite totally repugnant and ill-informed comments being made by certain high profile individuals within the band world via social media.

These comments are not only aimed at the band, but some are aimed at individual members. It has been disappointing that many of these comments are from some past members and a former prominent official of the band.

At no stage has the band been implicated by these events which we see as being of a private issue for the person concerned. Mr Downie resigned his position with the band with immediate effect on 27th April this year when he became aware of his situation.

All band related posts and those aimed at current members of the band on social media are being reviewed by our legal advisers and anything that is deemed to be illegal in line with current legislation will be followed up via the appropriate channels.

The band will now take a short break and is looking forward to completing preparations for the forthcoming Butlins Competition in January 2017.'