Politicians in court on election-related charges

Friday 04 January 2019

Two politicians have appeared in court charged with a breach of the Public Elections Law, with a third election candidate due to appear next week.

Deputies Hugh Raymond (72) and Scott Wickenden (41) were both charged with “failing to deliver a declaration” in accordance with a section of the law covering campaign expenses and donations on or before 18 June last year.

The pair, who appeared separately but were both represented by Advocate Hiren Mistry, reserved their pleas.

The alleged breach is of Article 6 of the Public Elections (Expenditure and Donations) Law. It states that, no later than 15 days after election day, candidates must deliver to the States Greffier a full and detailed list of their expenses and donations.

Pictured: The elections took place in May 2018.

The Court heard that a third person is also due to be charged with the same offence next Thursday. They were not named in court.

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris, presiding, said that all three would be dealt with at the same time to ensure consistency of approach.

The Deputies were subsequently both released on bail on the condition they remained at their home addresses in advance of their next appearance in court.

Deputy Scott Wickenden, who previously served as an Assistant Minister with responsibility for digital services, was elected to represent the parish of St. Helier for a second term in this May’s election. 

Deputy Hugh Raymond, a former honorary police officer, was sworn into office for the first time this year. He currently holds the roles of Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure.