Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Denis MacShane Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

Former British Labour minister sentenced to six months in jail over expenses

Denis MacShane pleaded guilty to making almost £13,000 (€15,500) worth of bogus expenses claims.

A FORMER BRITISH MP and Cabinet minister has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to making nearly £13,000 (€15,500)  in bogus expense claims.

Denis MacShane, who served as Europe minister under former Prime Minister Tony Blair, admitted to filing 19 fake receipts for “research and translation” services between January 2005 and January 2008.

The money from those claims was used to fund trips, including one to Paris to judge a literary competition.

MacShane’s admission capped several years of scrutiny of his expenses, following the 2009 scandal that found UK politicians had billed the public for items such as pornographic movies and an ornamental duck house.

He was sentenced today to six months in jail at London’s Old Bailey Court.

Read: FG candidate defends no expenses pledge after party colleague calls him a ‘tosser’ >

Read: TDs and Senators who lose their seats could face court action over unspent allowances >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
48 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds