Fifteen appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with cheating

Fifteen individuals appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, facing charges under the Gambling Act 2005 in relation to an investigation into alleged cheating linked to bets on the timing of the 2024 General Election.

The investigation, launched in June 2024, centered on allegations that some bettors exploited confidential information—specifically, advance knowledge of the proposed election date—to gain an unfair advantage in the betting markets. Prosecutors allege that this conduct, which involves using inside information to influence wagers, amounts to cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence.

Among those who denied the charges were Simon Chatfield (51), Russell George (51), Amy Hind (34), Anthony Hind (36), Thomas James (38), Charlotte Lang (36), Anthony Lee (48), Iain Makepeace (47), Nick Mason (51), Paul Place (54), Laura Saunders (37), and James Ward (40). In contrast, former police officer Jeremy Hunt (55), along with Craig Williams (40) and Jacob Willmer (39), did not enter pleas during the hearing.

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring has referred the case to the Crown Court for further proceedings. All 15 defendants are scheduled to reappear at Southwark Crown Court on 11 July at 10am.