article_snippet.sent: A former Ukip MEP fraudulently claimed almost £500,000 in European Parliament expenses - using some of A former Ukip MEP to fund A former Ukip MEP domestic court battles, a court heard today.
article_snippet.sent: Some of the money he allegedly made from 'sophisticated fraud over several years' $$$$ went towards funding various legal costs he had built up as a result of being prosecuted in the UK for benefit fraud offences, a jury at London's Southwark Crown Court was told.
article_snippet.sent: Jurors heard that while MEPs were allowed to make certain legitimate claims for expenses from the European Parliament, MEPs were not supposed to use this money to enrich MEPs.
article_snippet.sent: I am being prosecuted for fraud arising out of events prior to being elected as an MEP”.
highlights_snippet.sent: Southwark Crown Court hears of 'sophisticated fraud over several years' 