Landmark jail sentence for former Ukip MEP
Former Ukip MEP sentenced to two years in jail for fiddling expenses
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By Richard James. |  |
Wednesday, 11, Nov 2009 02:51
By inthenews.co.uk staff..
A former Ukip MEP has become the first British politician to be jailed over his expenses claims.
Tom Wise was given a two-year jail sentence at Southwark crown court for fiddling his expenses after admitting to the charges last week.
The 61-year-old had already lost the Ukip whip and become an independent until leaving the European parliament this summer.
Wise stated his £3,000 'secretarial assistance allowance' was being sent to his researcher, but in fact used the money to clear off debts and fund a lavish lifestyle.
In total, he funnelled £39,000 into a secret bank account. The money was spent on fine wine and cars, as well as party political activities.
His guilty plea, which came just before his former party leader Nigel Farage was due to appear as a witness, saw researcher Lindsay Jenkins acquitted of all charges.
Two of Ukip's 2004 intake of MEPs have now gone to prison. Ashley Mote was jailed for nine months in 2007 for benefit fraud.