Anniston councilman sues mayor over City Hall altercation

Gene Robinson

John Spain

Anniston, Al.
Councilman John Spain filed a lawsuit against Mayor Gene Robinson Thursday afternoon requesting damages for emotional distress from alleged long-term harassment and the alleged fight that erupted between the two after a council meeting Sept. 13.

Spain states in the complaint that he left the Council Chambers to avoid an ugly incident and Robinson followed him into the hall and shoved and hit him.

Spain reacted in self defense only to “control Robison and to prevent further harm to himself,” the complaint states.

After the brawl that evening, Spain had said, Robinson asked him to step outside and Spain went with him. Spain had said he hadn’t expected to talk.

Both he and Robinson went to the Police Station immediately after the meeting to file complaints against the other. Spain was arrested that evening and charged with assault based on what a policeman near the door of the hallway witnessed, police have said.

Robinson could not immediately be reached for comment Friday afternoon.