Councillor denies ballot fraud

A former Conservative councillor has appeared in court in connection with allegations of electoral fraud.

Anthony Bays, 52, from Guildford, Surrey, faced three counts of making a false instrument in relation to a ballot paper and two counts of attempted personation at Reading Crown Court, in Berkshire, on Thursday.

Mr Bays had denied the charges - which relate to local elections held in May this year - at an earlier hearing.

He is alleged to have tampered with two postal votes after visiting people's homes and offering to deliver their ballot papers for them.

Mr Bays was arrested shortly after being elected to Guildford Borough Council on 1 May.

He resigned from the council on 21 May in order to fight the allegations.

The case was adjourned until 1 March next year for a trial expected to last nine days.