Ex-MEP Nikki Sinclaire faces court in misconduct case
A former Ukip MEP who covered Shropshire has gone on trial accused of laundering money and committing misconduct in a public office, in relation to European parliamentary travel expenses.
Nikki Sinclaire, who represented the West Midlands region in Brussels and Strasbourg until 2014, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday for the start of what is estimated to be a three-week trial.
The 47-year-old, of Shirley, West Midlands, is accused of misconduct in a public office between October 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010, while a serving member of the European Parliament by making or causing to be made false or dishonest claims for travel expenses.
She is further charged between October 14, 2009, and December 31, 2010, of fraudulently transferring criminal property into her bank account.
Sinclaire, who appears on bail, denies any wrong-doing. Sat in the dock in a black trouser suit wearing glasses, Miss Sinclaire paid close attention to proceedings as barrister Antonie Muller opened the prosecution against her.
Mr Muller said the amounts involved meant "we're not going to be talking about tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands (of euro) – it's not that sort of cash". He said: "We're going to focus in on 10 claims."
Mr Muller showed the jury "a book of rules" governing what a member of the Brussels parliament could claim, including mileage rates, subsistence, and general allowances.
He said the West Midlands Police investigation had involved an analysis of different expense claims by Miss Sinclaire, and the jury would be shown European Parliament "payment slips" signed by the ex-parliamentarian in the evidence to come.
Judge Stephen Eyre QC, addressing the jury of six men and six women, said: "You are responsible for deciding the facts of this case, with the crucial decision as to whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges."
He added: "You must try the case on the evidence and that is the evidence presented in this court and nothing else."
After Sinclaire's election to the European Parliament, she left Ukip in 2010 and subsequently lost her seat at the elections two years ago. She was first arrested over the allegations in February 2012, and was charged in July 2014.
The trial continues.
