A former Labour MP appeared in court yesterday accused of making bogus expense claims.
Jared O’Mara, 39, who unseated Nick Clegg at the 2017 general election, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud and an eighth charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
His former aide, 28-year-old Gareth Arnold from Dronfield, Derbyshire, denied six counts of fraud during the hearing before Sheffield magistrates.
Jared O’Mara, 39, who unseated Nick Clegg at the 2017 general election, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud and an eighth charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act
O’Mara left the Labour Party following a string of controversies but stayed in office as an independent MP for Sheffield Hallam until he stood down at the 2019 election
A third defendant, John Woodliff, 42, from Sheffield, denied a proceeds of crime charge.
District judge Paul Goldspring said the case needed to be heard at Sheffield Crown Court.
He gave the three defendants unconditional bail until their next appearance on October 25.
O’Mara left the Labour Party following a string of controversies but stayed in office as an independent MP for Sheffield Hallam until he stood down at the 2019 election.
The former MP, who has cerebral palsy and is on the autistic spectrum, was charged following an investigation by South Yorkshire Police detectives into allegations of expenses fraud.
Source: Daily Mail
