Moran may face trial over expenses next April
Friday 28 October 2011
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EmailFormer Labour MP Margaret Moran could stand trial next spring on charges relating to parliamentary expense claims.
Ms Moran, who represented Luton South, did not appear at London's Southwark Crown Court for a brief hearing today.
She faces 15 charges of false accounting and six of using a false instrument relating to expenses claims totalling about £80,000.
It is alleged she "flipped" her designated second home, making claims for properties in London, Luton and Southampton.Prosecutors also claim she submitted forged invoices.
The former MP, who stood down at the last election, also faces an allegation that she dishonestly claimed £22,500 to repair dry rot at her Southampton home, £14,805 for boiler repairs and for work on her conservatory.
Ms Moran has not been asked to enter pleas to the charges.
Mr Justice Cooke today pencilled in a provisional trial date of April 18 next year and ordered a further directions hearing to be held on December 15.
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