Swindling MEP jailed for fraud - but keeps his seat and £60,000 salary - News

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ashley Mote enjoyed an "extravagant lifestyle" while falsely claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.

The 71-year-old father of two, who was elected for UKIP but now sits as an independent, frequently dined out and took holidays to the U.S., France and the Caribbean.

Mote, an MEP for the South-East of England, claimed state benefit even though he was pocketing "substantial sums" of cash through business interests in two companies involved in marketing. He made out standing orders to his family from the two firms.

A court heard the offences took place between 1996 and 2002 - two years before he was elected to the European Parliament.

The MEP, of Binsted, Hampshire, fought back tears and blushed as he was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Judge Richard Price told him: "You gave every impression of being a truly dishonest man."

He will retain his seat because his sentence did not cross the 12-month threshold required to disqualify him from office.