Former Conservative MP to Face Trial Over Gambling Charges

• Craig Williams and 14 others are accused of gambling fraud related to the elections.
• Twelve of the defendants plan to plead not guilty, while others have not announced their intentions.
• If found guilty, they could face up to two years in prison.

This was reported by The Independent, The Guardian.

Gambling-related Legal Cases

Former Conservative MP Craig Williams, along with 14 others, will face trial on charges of gambling fraud related to the date of the 2024 general elections.

Williams, who served as parliamentary secretary under then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he was charged by the Gambling Commission.

Among the other defendants are Russell George, a Senedd member from Monmouthshire who is now independent, and Thomas James, a former director of the Welsh Conservatives.

Twelve of the defendants have stated their intention to plead not guilty. Williams, along with Jacob Wilmer, a former special adviser to the government, and Jeremy Hunt, a former police officer, did not indicate how they plan to proceed.

If convicted, they could face prison sentences of up to two years.

Williams served as Sunak's chief private secretary from October 2022 to June 2024. All defendants were released on unconditional bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled at Southwark Crown Court on July 11.

Tags: Crime