Clegg defends Lib Dems over donor’s conviction

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS leader Nick Clegg last night insisted his party had done nothing wrong in accepting a record £2.4 million (about €3m) donation from bogus bonds dealer Michael Brown.

The 42-year-old crook, who was convicted of theft and other charges yesterday after going on the run, got the cash — which ended up in the party’s 2005 election war chest — after “tricking” an international line-up of wealthy clients with promises of massive returns.

Altogether, they gave him £36m, nearly £8m of which belonged to former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards. London’s Southwark Crown Court heard much of his ill-gotten gains were squandered on a life of fast cars, a jet and no-expense spared holidays.