TV presenter found not guilty of permit fraud

Model and TV presenter Donna Air was acquitted of fraud yesterday by a jury that took just 20 minutes to reach its verdict.

Following her acquittal, defence barrister Benn Maguire told the court the trial had caused her pain and heartache, and she had not been able to travel to America since the fraud charge had been brought.

The court heard that she had applied for a parking permit in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, despite already having a permit for the City of Westminster. It is against council regulations for a person to have two permits for the same vehicle in different boroughs, the court was told.

Following the verdict at Isleworth crown Court, Miss Air said she was very glad the case was over, and thanked the jury as she left the dock.

She said: “I have never been in a court and it’s very scary to be accused of something you have not done.

“It’s an experience I will not forget in a hurry and I am very pleased the jury saw what the dynamics of this case were about very quickly.

“I am going to see my little girl and give her a big cuddle as mummy’s been stuck here for no reason.”

She said any celebrations were on hold until the weekend.