Police take no further action against disgraced peer

Police have confirmed no further action will be taken against a disgraced peer from Essex following a second investigation into expenses fraud.

Lord Hanningfield, 71, from West Hanningfield, served nine weeks of a nine-month jail sentence after being convicted of falsely claiming £28,000 in parliamentary expenses last year.

Following his release, police launched a second investigation into his claims while he was leader of Essex County Council.

On Tuesday City of London Police, which led the inquiry, said Hanningfield had been released from police bail.

A spokesman said: "Allegations of unauthorised expenditure against a 71-year-old man from Essex, originally made to Essex Police by Essex County Council, have been fully investigated by the City of London Police economic crime directorate, after being referred to them in December 2011.

"Following a full review of the evidence obtained from this investigation and consultation with the CPS, a decision has been made to take no further action regarding these allegations as there is insufficient evidence to justify any criminal charges in this case."

"The police investigation into this matter is now closed."