Mr Speechley denies misconduct in public office, relating a to bypass near land he owned in Lincolnshire.

The prosecution accused him of lying while giving evidence, while his defence said his actions were simply those of a dedicated local councillor.

The judge at Sheffield Crown Court is expected to begin his summing up of the case on Wednesday.

Public interest

Prosecution barrister Martin Wilson QC attacked Mr Speechley for lying to the jury on a number of issues.

These issues, said Mr Wilson, included that it had never occurred Mr Speechley the route of the road might affect the value of his land and he had not meant to mislead a BBC reporter during an interview about the road.

But defence barrister William Harbage QC described Mr Speechley as a 'Jim'll Fix It' character for his village of Crowland.

He said any attempts to influence the route of the bypass were only in the interests of the public and not for personal gain.