The previous chief of Reform UK in Wales has indicated he’ll deny taking bribes to make beneficial statements about Russia within the European parliament.
Nathan Gill, 51, is charged with eight counts of bribery and one depend of conspiracy to commit bribery.
Gill allegedly made statements within the European Parliament and in opinion items to information shops, reminiscent of 112 Ukraine, which had been “supportive of a specific narrative” which might “profit Russia relating to occasions in Ukraine”.
The defendant is alleged to have been tasked by Oleg Voloshyn on a minimum of eight events to make particular statements in return for cash.
Gill, of Anglesey, north Wales, appeared for a preliminary listening to on the Previous Bailey earlier than Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
The defendant’s lawyer Clare Ashcroft indicated he would deny the costs in opposition to him however requested that he not be requested to formally enter pleas but.
Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC advised the courtroom the costs associated to the defendant’s time as a member of the European parliament.
He mentioned that fees had been authorised in opposition to the defendant’s alleged co-conspirator Voloshyn, who’s believed to be out of the jurisdiction.
Justice Cheema-Grubb set a plea listening to for 18 July and a provisional trial earlier than a Excessive Court docket decide from 29 June 2026 on the Previous Bailey.
The defendant stood within the dock sporting a blue striped tie and gray swimsuit, and spoke solely to verify his identification in the course of the listening to.
Addressing the defendant on the finish of the listening to, Justice Cheema-Grubb mentioned: “I will launch you on bail on the identical situations as earlier than.”
Gill is bailed provided that he give up his passport, is to not get hold of worldwide journey paperwork and to not contact Voloshyn.
