At the Julie Corkill trial a plumbing firm has dismissed a claim an account was set up for the defendant retrospectively.

Defence advocate Dawn Jones suggested the action was taken so that money could be claimed back from a firm which had gone into administration.

However, John Quayle, of Cu-Plas Callow said the allegation was "absolute rubbish".

Mr Quayle said the account enabled Mrs Corkill to claim trade discount.

And it was set up without the usual checks because of her status, as wife of the then Chief Minister, Richard Corkill.

Earlier the high bailiff ruled the trial could continue, even though Kelly, a key prosecution witness, was effectively unable to give the rest of his evidence, due to heart problems.

Mrs Corkill denies all the charges against her.