Retrial for MP in speeding case

A LABOUR MP accused of lying to avoid a speeding charge faces a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict.

Fiona Onasanya, 35, allegedly colluded with her brother Festus to escape prosecution for doing 41mph in a 30mph zone on July 24 last year.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) was sent back to authorities claiming a Russian man was at the wheel of her Nissan Micra when it was clocked speeding near Peterborough. However, inquiries revealed he was in Russia at the time.

Festus Onasanya, 33, from Cambridge, has admitted perverting the course of justice. His sister, the Peterborough MP, denies the same charge.

An Old Bailey jury told Judge Nicholas Hilliard yesterday that it could not agree a verdict. The retrial is due to start on December 11.