Election Fraud Trial Comes to Court

A Derby woman has told a court how a "political activist" accused of election fraud knocked at her door asking her to sign a petition against the closure of a local swimming pool.

Julie Bridges said she signed the petition "without scrutiny" and believed she was showing support for an anti-closure campaign after the "man called Chris" knocked at her door.

But a jury heard how her signature later appeared on a nomination form endorsing a candidate from a political party for which Chris Fernandez was acting as the election agent.

The prosecution claim Fernandez, 59, "conned people" into signing a candidate nomination for the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition party believing they were signing a petition against the closure of Moorways swimming pool.

Fernandez faces 16 counts of making false statements on candidate nomination papers under section 65a of the Representation of the People Act. He has pleaded guilty to two counts but denies the remaining 14.

The court was told how an investigation was launched after signatures he submitted to Derby City Council in support of candidates for the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition party were duplicated on nomination forms for two other political parties – UKIP and the Liberal Democrats.

If you are facing a fraud allegation, call our team for expert, professional, legal advice. Speak to us in confidence on 01332 370 473.

The Johnson Partnership

Fraud Solicitors