Jury retires in Sandy Ezekiel misconduct trial

Mr Ezekiel was leader of Thanet District Council between 2003 and 2010

The jury in the trial of a former council leader accused of using inside information to buy two Kent properties has retired to consider its verdict.

Maurice "Sandy" Ezekiel, of Crow Hill, Broadstairs, is on trial at Maidstone Crown Court accused of misconduct in a public office.

The 59-year-old served as Tory leader of Thanet District Council in Kent for seven years between 2003 and 2010.

Phillip Emanuel of Margate, is accused of aiding and abetting misconduct.

Mr Ezekiel and Mr Emanuel, 64 , deny the charges.