British lawmaker and former solicitor Fiona Oluyinka Onasanya, 35, has denied allegation of perversion of justice. She pleaded with voters not to recall her.
On December 19, after a re-trial, Onasanya was found guilty of perverting the course of justice for lying to police to avoid a speeding fine.
She was elected as the Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Peterborough in 2017, but expelled from the party following her conviction, last December.
On January 29, she was sentenced to three months imprisonment, becoming the first sitting female Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom (UK) to be jailed.
Onasanya, who was born in Cambridge, is of Nigerian ancestry.
Her parents, Frank and Paulina Onasanya, separated when she was three and she lived with her mother and younger brother.
She was educated at Netherhall School and studied law at the University of Hertfordshire.
Onasanya left prison on February 26 after serving less than four weeks.
She was found guilty of the charge after claiming that it was her brother who was driving her Nissan Micra which went beyond speed limit on July 24, 2017.
Despite Onasanya maintaining her innocence, the courts concluded that she had colluded with her brother Festus to avoid penalty points after her car was found doing 41 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Festus got a 10-month prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.
Onasanya retained her over £77,000 salary and remained as an independent Member of Parliament for Peterborough.
Peterborough City Council launched a recall petition which would trigger a by-election if 10 per cent of eligible voters sign it – or around 7,000 people.
In a video, Onasanysa said: “It has been my privilege and honour to serve you as your Member of Parliament, being your voice for change in the corridors of power. However, this has become somewhat overshadowed by the charge brought against me for perverting the course of justice.
“Throughout the last few months you would have seen news articles, television articles, and also read on social media about my case. And all of this time, I have not been able to share my side. But just like a coin has two sides, so does a story.
“And this is my time now to share with you, without media spin, what my side of the story is. From the outset I have maintained my innocence. I have not perverted the course of justice.
“I have not colluded with my brother. My defence was never put across in the media. At all times they always put forward the prosecution’s case. Now I have this opportunity, I would like to ask, people have asked for my resignation but what would you do if you knew you were innocent? Would you sit back and accept it?
“Would you accept the verdict knowing in your heart of hearts that you are innocent? Or would you fight to clear your name? I am telling you I am innocent, and will continue to pursue avenues to clear my name.
“If you wish for me to continue as your independent Member of Parliament, I am willing and able to do so, but the choice is now in your hands…”
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