FLVA will stand by MP Eric Illsley

The president of licensee body FLVA says he will stand by the group's Parliamentary adviser Eric Illsley MP, who faces court over expenses allegations.

Illsley is to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 17 June to face three charges in relation to claims for parliamentary expenses.

Kier Starmer, director of public prosecutions, said: "Having thoroughly reviewed a file of evidence we received from the Metropolitan Police on 13 March this year, we concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring criminal charges against Eric Illsley MP.

"Mr Illsley faces three charges under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968 for false accounting.

"The first charge alleges that Mr IIlsley dishonestly claimed expenses in relation to council tax, service and maintenance charges, repairs and insurance charges, and utilities and communications charges for his second home in Renfrew Road, London, between May 2005 and April 2006.

"The second charge relates to the same claims between May 2006 and April 2007, and the third charge relates to the same claims between May 2007 and April 2008.

"In total the charges allege a sum in excess of £20,000 was dishonestly claimed over this three year period.

"Mr Illsley now stands charged with criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial."

The Barnsely MP has held the unpaid role of Parliamentary advisor to the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations.

FLVA president and Barnsley licensee Dennis Griffiths said: "The FLVA will stand by him until he is convicted, if he is.

"Until the legal situation changes, the relationship between the FLVA and Eric Illsley stays the same."