Former MP in court on fraud charge

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at a hearing in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London.

MacShane, of Westmoreland Terrace, central London, is accused of false accounting over alleged fraudulent claims of £12,900 for research and translation services between January 6, 2005 and January 15, 2008.

The 65-year-old, who appeared in the dock of the court wearing a suit and carrying a copy of the French newspaper Le Monde, was given unconditional bail by chief magistrate Howard Riddle. He is due to appear again on September 27 at London’s Southwark Crown Court.

Prosecutors announced in July that he would face one count of false accounting following claims that he had faked receipts.

MacShane stood down as Labour MP for Rotherham in South Yorkshire last year.

MacShane made no comment as he left the court later accompanied by his lawyer.