Malcolm McHaffie, Deputy Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, today announced that proceedings have been instituted against Denis MacShane, former Member of Parliament for Rotherham, and he is required to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on a date yet to be determined to face a single charge in relation to claims he made for parliamentary expenses.
Mr McHaffie said:
“Having thoroughly reviewed the evidence gathered by the police, I have decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring a criminal charge against Denis MacShane. This charge relates to fraudulent claims with a total value of £12,900.
“The charge is of false accounting, contrary to the Theft Act 1968. It is alleged that Denis Macshane claimed expenses for research and translation services carried out by a company that did not carry out that work."
Mr McHaffie added:
“Denis MacShane now stands charged with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice his trial.”
