By-election trial drawing to a close

Celebrity chef Kevin Woodford's involvement in the 2010 Douglas East by-election was highlighted in court yesterday as the by-election fraud trial draws to a close.

Defence counsel Nigel Hamilton QC gave his closing statement on behalf of his client, Kerry Rothwell.

He urged the jury to acquit 25-year-old Miss Rothwell of Onchan who, along with 40-year-old Gail Corrin of Douglas, denies dishonestly obtaining proxy votes for Mr Woodford – a candidate in the by-election.

Mr Woodford has always denied knowledge of any wrongdoing and was called to appear earlier in the trial as a prosecution witness.