Portsmouth MP Mike Hancock in paedophile slur
The Portsmouth MP arriving at court today
When you put your head above the parapet of public life someone is bound to take a few potshots at you. But every politician knows that the sound of gunfire looks bad, and often attracts more trouble.
Portsmouth Lib Dem MP Mike Hancock has taken a few cracks lately. Labelled Red Mike in the press after his Russian assistant Katia Zatuliveter was arrested for deportation as a risk to national security.
A string of extra-marital affairs paraded through the papers. Falling out with his own party over their part in the coalition. And now possibly the most foul accusation - accused of being a paedophile in a court case.
The Judge even insisted that Mr Hancock had to attend in person to give evidence, but today he faced his critics with some bravery.
It's not him on trial - a man who's accused of running a smear campaign that amounts to a vendetta is charged with offences under the Representation of the People's Act. Les Cummins has pleaded not guilty - ensuring a three day trial where he can call witnesses to make his case.
Red Handkerchief
So Mike Hancock, with his trademark red handkerchief in top pocket and a spotted tie had to enter the witness box to endure a humiliating cross-examination.
Giving evidence Mr Hancock said it was "absolutely not" true he was a paedophile.
"I'm horrified that anyone could make it (the allegation)."
Asked by Alison Morgan, prosecuting: "How did you feel about that suggestion?", Mr Hancock replied: "sickened."
The Liberal Democrat went on to deny other allegations in the leaflet that he had an affair with a 14-year-old girl he had been seen in a casino with, or that he had been seen in bed with children while on charity work in Romania with Mencap in the 1990s.
"Impossible and untrue," He said. "That's really offensive to people I have worked with and to me."
He also denied being corrupt and associating with known criminals. "I know lots of people but I do not associate myself with known criminals. I do not ask people who come into my office if they have a criminal record,"
Mobile phone
The Portsmouth MP was given permission to check his mobile phone during his
evidence as his mother is seriously ill.
He's having a very tough time of it, but he's told me he's determined to keep fighting - that this case was his chance to bring things to a head with a man who's been relentlessly pursuing him.
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Welcome to the hustings! I'm Peter Henley, the BBC's political reporter in the south of England. From parish councils in Sussex, to European politics in Oxford, this is the blog for you.
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Les Cummings was found guilty on the charge - brought under section 106.1 of the Representation of the People Act, 1983, that he published a false statement that he knew or believed to be false. He was fined £500 - well below the maximum of £5000 but reflecting his declared income.
His party, the Justice and Anti-corruption party, still intend to field candidates in May election, but no doubt all party agents will be looking closely at their election literature in the light of this case, and the judgement against Phil Woolas.
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Peter, I am no great fan of HANCOCK but to slur him (or anyone else) maliciously as a paedophile is a cheap shot and should be treated with contempt.
CUMMINGS should have offered some credible and probative evidence (victims / witnesses / exhibits / images etc) to support this claim. I have been distracted with work and do not fully understand the fine grain detail of the story.
My instincts tell me CUMMINGS actions were strategic and politically motivated ? Who brought the prosecution to Court ?
Talking of failing politicians William HAGUE is hardly distinguishing himself in his handling of the Arab spring crisis !!
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