DISGRACED former council leader Kenneth Leadbeater will not be attending the grand opening of Dartford Football Club's new stadium at Princes Park, the council has announced.

The former Dartford Borough Council leader had said after his sentencing for downloading child porn that he was "looking forward" to attending the opening on November 11.

But current leader Jeremy Kite said later: "The opening of Princes Park is a family event to celebrate the club and its supporters and there are no plans for Mr Leadbeater to play any part in the proceedings.

"I have read what he said outside court on Friday but I underestand that he reconsidered the matter over the weekend and will not now attend."

Leabeater was given a three-year community rehabilitation order at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday after admitting 14 charges of downloading child pornography, amounting to more then 300 images.

He had said outside court: "I'm very relieved these proceedings are concluded. I'm looking forward to attending the opening of Dartford Football Club."

Dartford FC had declined to comment, saying it was the council's decision.