A FORMER MEP wrongly claimed thousands of euros in travel expenses for journeys to the European Parliament by car when she had flown more cheaply, a court has heard.
Nikki Sinclaire denies laundering money and committing misconduct in a public office, while representing the West Midlands for UKIP.
Birmingham Crown Court heard one charge alleges that she claimed for a Solihull to Stoke-on-Trent journey when records appear to show she was in Cyprus.
The 47-year-old from Shirley is accused of misconduct in a public office between October 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010 while a member of the European Parliament, by making or causing to be made false or dishonest travel expense claims.
She is also accused of fraudulently transferring criminal property into her bank account between October 14, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
She was arrested in 2012 after a police and European anti-fraud investigation into her travel expenses.
Ms Sinclaire left UKIP in 2010 and served as an independent MEP until losing her seat in the 2014 elections.
The trial continues.
