He is the third Parliamentarian to appear in court over their expenses - two former Labour MPs, Eric Illsley and David Chaytor, have pleaded guilty.

BBC: Lord Taylor guilty of making false expenses claims

Others who have resigned as an MP by being appointed to the Chiltern Hundreds include Roy Jenkins, Brian Walden, Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, David Davis, and Eric Illsley.

BBC: Chris Huhne officially no longer an MP

Six Parliamentarians - former MPs Elliot Morley, David Chaytor, Jim Devine and Eric Illsley and peers Lords Taylor and Hanningfield - have been prosecuted for fraudulent expenses claims.

BBC: Watchdog refuses to sign off Commons accounts