Isle of Man election fraud trial: Pair acquitted

Kevin Woodford told the trial he was not aware of any election fraud

Two people accused of manipulating proxy votes in an Isle of Man election have been acquitted mid-way through their trial.

Only two defendants remain on trial accused of manipulating the island's proxy voting system to get Kevin Woodford elected.

Geoffrey Callister, 51, from Port Erin, and Catherine Liggins, 27, from Onchan, have both been discharged.

Jurors returned a verdict of not guilty on the direction of the Deemster.

Charles "Buster" Lewin, 57, of Crosby, has admitted conspiracy to affect legal purposes by improper means, conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to forge a document.

Kerry Rothwell, 25, from Onchan, denies conspiracy to affect legal purposes by improper means, conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to forge a document.

Gail Corrin, 40, from Douglas, denies conspiracy to affect legal purposes by improper means.

Isle of Man resident Mr Woodford, best known for appearances on TV cooking shows Ready Steady Cook and Can't Cook, Won't Cook, previously told the trial he was not aware of any election fraud.

He unsuccessfully stood in the Douglas East by-election in 2010 to become a Member of the House of Keys.

The trial continues.