Former MEP Peter Skinner has been ordered to pay £85,436.96 to satisfy a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The 58-year-old was jailed for four years in 2016 after being found guilty of one count of fraud, one count of false accounting and one count of making a false instrument.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate found he was wrongfully claiming thousands of pounds that should have been used to cover staff costs.

Examples included paying for his honeymoon to the United States and Hawaii following his second marriage.

Following Skinner’s conviction, a confiscation hearing was conducted at Southwark Crown Court over five days last October.

Mrs Justice McGowan’s written ruling was delivered today at Southwark Crown Court, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice and ordered Skinner, of Recreation Avenue, Snodland, to pay the Confiscation Order of £85,436.96 within three months, with a 12-month term in default.

Skinner was also ordered to pay £10,000 in Confiscation costs and £50,000 in Prosecution costs, with six months to pay.

Detective inspector Annie Clayton said: "Peter Skinner served as an MEP for 20 years and badly let down those who supported and trusted him throughout his time in office.

"The abuse of his position to enhance his own lifestyle resulted in a prison sentence and now a confiscation order to the value of £85,436.96.

"This should send a message to offenders that once they have been sentenced we will continue to investigate to recover any financial gain they have made from their activities and to reimburse victims where appropriate.

"We will use the legislation that is available to seize any cash or property that we can prove they have obtained through criminal behaviour."