WAVERLY — A councilman convicted of fourth-degree theft for writing a bad check says he intends to appeal the judge’s ruling in the case.

Duane Liddle, 56, earlier this year entered an Alford plea to the serious misdemeanor, according to court records. By entering an Alford plea, he admitted no wrongdoing but acknowledged a strong possibility existed he would be convicted if the matter went to trial.

Yes, he would have been convicted of a felony, but instead worked out a deal to knock it down to a serioius misdemeanor, which prevented his bootage from the city council.

But get this, he’s going to appeal it now.

Liddle said Monday he entered the plea expecting to receive a deferred judgment for an incident that began in 2006. Such a judgment would mean the conviction would be wiped from Liddle’s record if he avoids additional legal trouble.

Instead, Judge Richard Gleason said the crime “does not seem particularly out of character for the defendant” and that other behavior “displays a general lack of honesty,” according to court documents filed April 8 in Dubuque County District Court.

Liddle said his case suffered from an inexperienced lawyer, adding he is consulting additional legal counsel regarding an appeal. Liddle also said he has a private investigator looking into the incidents that led to the initial charge, which was more serious. Authorities first charged Liddle with first-degree theft, a Class C felony.

Poor baby, don’t right a $45,000 check when you don’t have the funds in the account to right it. Duh.

The councilman said he feels support from some in the community but is also concerned about his reputation.

The ship has sailed on the whole reputation thing a long, long time ago.