Former Wiltshire PCC candidate "pleased and relieved" after charges dropped
An investigation took place last year
A former candidate for the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner election has had his charges of making a false declaration in his nomination papers dropped.
Jonathon Seed had to withdraw from last year's election, after previous driving convictions came to light.
Conservative Seed ended up winning, as votes had already been cast when he withdrew.
Wiltshire Police then asked Thames Valley police to lead an investigation in to the matters surrounding the election.
The 63 year old denied a charge of making a false statement contrary to Article 21 of the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012, and Section 168 (1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
He was due to stand trial in July, but the Crown Prosecution Service have now dropped the charges due to a lack of evidence.
Mr Seed has said he's "pleased and relieved" at the outcome.
He told us:
"I have been informed today that the Crown Prosecution Service have confirmed that they will offer no evidence against me in relation to my matter at Oxford crown court where I am charged with making a false statement on my nomination papers for the election of the police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire at the 2021 election. This decision followed further representations made by my solicitors that the case should be discontinued against me.
"I am naturally pleased and relieved but very disappointed as to why it was felt necessary to bring a prosecution against me at all.
"I would particularly like to thank my family, legal team and friends for their unswerving loyalty, belief, and support throughout the past traumatic year.
"I will be providing a more detailed statement once my case has been formally withdrawn against me at Oxford Crown Court."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said:
“Last year, we asked Thames Valley Police to lead an external, independent investigation in to matters surrounding the 2021 Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner election.
“We asked another police force to lead this investigation to ensure independent oversight and to remove any potential conflict of interest.
“Thames Valley Police conducted a thorough investigation into these matters.
“We understand that a pre-trial review of this case has now been undertaken by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) , who have confirmed that the case will not proceed.
“We are not in a position to provide further comment.”