The trial of the former leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Jim Speechley, has begun. Mr Speechley, 67, is charged with misconduct whilst in public office in connection with a four acre field in Crowland.
The prosecution told the court how Mr Speechley failed to mention he owned the land despite speaking in favour of a nearby construction scheme.
Mr Speechley denies the charges and the trial continues.
Road route
The land was bought by Mr Speechley in 1971.
The jury was told he failed time and time again in council meetings to say the land belonged to him.
He then spoke in support of a specific route for a new bypass which would have run near his land.
The land would have dramatically increased in value.
The prosecution alleged Mr Speechley tried to influence the route of the road and use his powerful position to gain profit.
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