Former Labour MP Eric Illsley sentenced to 12 months in jail for expenses fraud

Former MP Eric Illsley may be given a years jail sentence with regard to dishonestly claiming parliamentary expenses.

Illsley, 55, pleaded guilty to £14,000 associated with expenses fraud final month relating to claims he designed for his second home between 2005 and also 2008.

He becomes the second previous MP, after many other Labour colleague Donald Chaytor, to become jailed for expenditures offences.

Mr Rights Saunders said Illsley had breached the "large degree of believe in" placed in MPs by the general public.

Illsley pleaded responsible to three charges of false sales, admitting to dishonestly claiming payments for insurance, repairs, utility bills and council taxes at his retirement home between 2005 and also 2008.

Passing word, Justice Saunders said Illsley bore a "small but considerable" responsibility for the particular erosion of public trust in Parliament.

"The commission of the particular offences which came to light as a direct result the police investigation into parliamentary costs has tarnished the actual reputation of politicians and Parliament," he was quoted saying.
'Ruined'

He obtained a shorter phrase than Chaytor, that is is serving a great 18-month jail term after pleading with guilty to making bogus claims.

Justice Saunders said Illsley's offences had been less serious because they involved smaller damage to the open public purse and Illsley had not really created "false paperwork to support the particular claims".

Illsley has apologised for his conduct and stated he "deeply regretted" his activities.

His lawyers had asked for the suspended sentence, admitting the publicity around the case acquired "shamed" Illsley but arguing he would be a "good man".

"Mister Illsley accepts which, for this situation, a sentence of imprisonment is inevitable," William Coker QC, acting on Illsley's behalf, advised the court.

"These types of convictions have, obviously, ruined him. With his age, he sees very restricted opportunities to help make something of their life but this individual accepts, as he must, that ruin 's what he deserves."

Illsley stood lower as an MP before sentencing, his / her resignation triggering any by-election within the Barnsley Central constituency which he represented.

He was re-elected as a Labour MP last May, having initial entered Parliament later. He was suspended by Labour right after being charged this past year and subsequently sat as an self-sufficient.