AN East Hampshire-based MEP convicted of fraud has hit out at The Times over claims he will pocket a £30,000 golden handshake when he steps down this week.

Ashley Mote, 73, accused The Times of using his name to help justify condemnation of the European Parliament as a gravy train as national anger over members of Parliament in both London and Strasbourg claiming thousands in expenses out of the taxpayers' purse.

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.