Ex- Labour MP, Fiona Onasanya, charged with perverting the course of Justice

Sonic67

Labour MP charged with perverting the course of justice

The Labour MP Fiona Onasanya has been charged with two counts of seeking to pervert the course of justice by allegedly blaming someone else for speeding offences committed by herself and her brother, prosectors have said.

A week after being in court here she is tweeting about criminal fraudsters.

Fiona Onasanya on Twitter

                                                                               

Odd how this only came to light now. Aren't MPs on a recess now?

Also a solicitor.

Fiona Oluyinka Onasanya - The Law Society

MP accused of lying about speeding

MP denies she lied about speeding

A solicitor, a Christian, and an MP who puts laws in place and a Labour whip responsible for party discipline. Also in a key marginal.

Public Justice Offences incorporating the Charging Standard | The Crown Prosecution Service

                                                                               

                                                                       

rancidpunk

Whilst the maximum penalty is somewhat OTT, you'd hope an example is made of someone in her position. She's well aware of the consequences of her actions.

tapzilla2k

Well she should have known better given her position, and if she is found guilty ? I'd have no sympathy for her. The relevant section of the Representation of the People Act 1981  -
Representation of the People Act 1981

So less than a year and an MP can probably remain as an MP (though the political party would likely deselect and pressure the person into resigning the seat) and run for election even if the MP or candidate is in prison as long as the sentence is less than 1 year. The rules for local council candidates and elections are a lot tougher than for Parliamentary Elections from what I remember. The rules should be the same for both, but hey ho.

springtide

I bet taking points for others is pretty common but only a few get caught, but still not right obviously.

The Lib Dem couple got 8 months ..
Disgraced former cabinet minister Chris Huhne returns to Parliament
Looks like he has returned to politics

krish

No, Huhne's out of politics. That's just a story revealing his name on a 2015 list of those granted passes to the parliamentary estate following a FoI request ... could have just been a day pass, possibly lobbying for wood chip pellet fuel, supposedly a low carbon alternative to coal, since he's the European boss of an American biomass energy firm that owns the IP.

Sonic67

MP denies lying about speeding

A Labour MP has denied perverting the course of justice by allegedly lying about who was driving a speeding vehicle.

Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya, 34, appeared at the Old Bailey earlier charged with the offence.

She pleaded not guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice. Her brother Festus Onasanya, 33, denied three counts of the same offence.

They are both due to face trial at the same court on 12 November.

Ms Onasanya and her brother, who are jointly charged with one count, were released on unconditional bail.

The charge the siblings face relates to an allegation that they falsely claimed the driver of a vehicle caught speeding on the 24 July last year was another man.

Mr Onasanya, from Chesterton, Cambridge, faces two further charges relating to allegations he blamed someone else for two separate speeding incidents on 17 June and 23 August last year.

Sonic67

In her defence, she could say she was present but doesn't think she was involved.

                                                                       

weaviemx5

I’m still trying to work out which one of these is supposed to make her an honest person?

Sonic67

Festus has pleaded guilty. Fiona is on trial at 1400.

MP's brother admits lying to police

The brother of a Labour MP has admitted lying to police about who was driving a speeding vehicle. Singer Festus Onasanya pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to three counts of perverting the course of justice. He and Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya are accused of misinforming police about who was responsible for driving a speeding car on 24 July 2017. Ms Onasanya has denied perverting the course of justice and faces trial at the Old Bailey on 12 November. Mr Onasanya, 33, has been bailed until the end of his sister's trial, when he will be sentenced.

Could Fiona work into her defence that she will, "use the simple sword of truth and the trusty shield of British fair play, and the fight against falsehood and those who peddle it. My fight begins today. Thank you and good afternoon."

TheBlueBrazil

If found guilty then I'd assume a custodial sentence will be considered.  Also a good chance she will get struck off.  

After the Chris Huhne trial it's fairly obvious what the punishment is for what is a pretty serious charge compared to the relatively initial minor offence.