A man has pleaded guilty to breaking electoral law.

Matthew Goddin, 44, of Aintree Crescent, Ilford appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday June 21 where he admitted to failing to provide the required details on the election campaign material of a Labour candidate during the 2017 general election.

The offence is contrary to Section 110 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

The allegation relates to a four-page ‘wraparound’ advertisement featured in the Ilford Recorder newspaper on June 1, 2017.

The advertisement was placed on behalf of Mike Gapes, the Labour candidate, now re-elected as MP for Ilford South.

The advert breached election campaign material legislation as it failed to contain an imprint; information which shows who is responsible for the publication and promotion of the advertising material, which helps to ensure transparency about who is campaigning at elections.

Following enquiries by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Enquiry Team, Mr Goddin was identified as the agent responsible for having placed the advertisement.

Mr Goddin was not acting as Mike Gapes' electoral agent at the time. He was instead agent for Wes Streeting.

Had Mr Goddin infact been Mr Gapes' agent the consequences for this "oversight" would have been more severe.

Had Matthew Goddin been acting as Mike Gapes' electoral agent, he would have been banned from acting as an agent for three years.

He was interviewed on Friday April 13 this year in connection with the allegation and subsequently charged with the offence.

Goddin was fined £230 after pleading guilty.

Detective Inspector Gail Granville, of the Special Enquiry Team, said: “This result demonstrates the Met’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections for all. Imprint details are required under the legislation and as an experienced election agent, this should not have been missed. This conviction shows how important it is for candidates and agents to adhere to the legislation.

“We continue to work closely with the CPS, the Electoral Commission and local authorities across London in a proactive and preventative capacity to protect the integrity of the electoral process in London. We would encourage anyone who wishes to report an electoral offence to contact the Met’s Special Enquiry Team or contact their local police or call 101.”