City councillor denies corruption

Mr Baker is pleading not guilty to corruption charges

A Portsmouth councillor has pleaded not guilty to two charges of corruption relating to his time on the city's planning committee.

Jezz Baker was arrested on 24 April 2007 by detectives investigating a complaint by a member of the public.

The Hilsea member was suspended by his Conservative party but has remained as an independent councillor.

Mr Baker, of Cosham, Portsmouth, will stand trial at Winchester Crown Court on 6 October.