A former British member of the European Parliament is facing jail after pleading guilty to charges of money laundering and false accounting. Tom Wise, who had represented the East of England constituency for the UK Independence Party, channelled money allocated for office support to a bank account under his control. He spent the cash on a new car and expensive wines.
Ukip expelled Wise when he was charged along with his researcher Lindsay Jenkins following an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office and the Bedfordshire Police Economic Crime Unit. Wise had initially denied the charges but at his trial Southwark Crown Court, the former MEP changed his plea to guilty.
The court heard that he claimed £3,000 a month as a secretarial allowance for Jenkins but paid her only £500 a month and spent the rest "in support of his own interests". Jenkins was cleared following Wise's confession.
The disgraced politician has been released on bail until November 11 when he will be sentenced.
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