Rob Mayor
Political reporter, BBC WM

Today's verdicts clear Nikki Sinclaire of allegations that have been hanging over her since she was arrested almost four years ago.

At times tearful and angry as she gave evidence, it was clear the suggestion she had abused the trust of voters was what hurt her the most.

Ms Sinclaire admitted there were errors in her expenses claims, but her lawyers maintained they had been "deliberately corrupted" by office aide John Ison in an atmosphere of political "hostility" - a defence that convinced the jury.

There had been an atmosphere of "hostility" between ex-UKIP MEP Nikki Sinclaire and party leader Nigel Farage, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

The jury was told John Ison, Ms Sinclaire's former office aide, had passed information about her to the senior figure.

Ms Sinclaire and her lawyers said Mr Ison had "deliberately corrupted"  her expenses.

The 47-year-old has been cleared of making false travel expenses claims.

Image source, Getty Images

Former UKIP MEP Nikki Sinclaire has been cleared of making false travel expenses claims amounting to £3,250.

The former West Midlands MEP, who represented the region in Brussels and Strasbourg until 2014, denied deliberately submitting 10 dishonest claims for road travel she never made when she had flown more cheaply.

Former West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire has been cleared in court of making false expenses claims.

Image source, PA

Relive live text and BBC local radio commentaries from the latest round of matches in the County Championship.

Rail services are currently suspended between Shrewsbury and Hereford due to a person being struck by a train at Craven Arms, in south Shropshire.

BBC Weather

There will be a mixture of sunshine and showers today with temperatures reaching about 19C (66F).

Latest weather for the West Midlands

Worcestershire are bowled out for 277 at Wantage Road but fight back on day one against Northamptonshire.

The singer says she is selling her house but is denying it's because she needs the cash to pay off a tax bill.

Worcestershire won by 311 runs.

Listen to live BBC local radio commentary as Nottinghamshire face Worcestershire in the T20 Blast.

Andy Murray's Wimbledon semi-final against Tomas Berdych is under way on BBC One. 

If Murray's last match is anything to go by, Midlands Today could be on a little later then 18:30. 

Weather for the West Midlands

Relive the action from Friday's eight T20 Blast matches, including Glamorgan's win over Middlesex to go top of South Group.

A man who wore an offensive T-shirt relating to the Hillsborough disaster says it was 'banter' with Liverpool-supporting friends

A Worcester man who wore a T-shirt with offensive words relating to the Hillsborough disaster has said he's "lost everything" after being fined by magistrates.

A Worcester man who wore a T-shirt with offensive words relating to the Hillsborough disaster has said he's "lost everything" after being fined by magistrates. Paul Grange, 50, admitted a public order offence. The wording on his T-shirt had suggested the disaster, in which 96 people died in 1989, was "God's way" of helping a pest control company.

Listen to live BBC local radio commentary as Worcestershire face Lancashire in the T20 Blast.

Worcester Warriors boss 'delighted' by Clermont Auvergne friendly