Jared O'Mara: Fraud-accused MP's drug use an open secret

Key Facts

Image source, House of Commons Image caption, Jared O'Mara served as MP for Sheffield Hallam from June 2017 to November 2019 A former MP's cocaine use was an "open secret" in the city in which he lived and worked, a court has been told.
During cross-examination from Mr James Bourne-Arton, for the prosecution, Mr Arnold told the court he never saw Mr O'Mara take the illegal drug but saw bags of it in his bathroom during a social gathering.
Image caption, Gareth Arnold and a third defendant are on trial alongside Jared O'Mara at Leeds Crown Court Discussing a message previously read to court about Mr O'Mara being a "few k in debt with a dealer", Mr Arnold said: "My assumption was he owed a drug dealer some money.
Mr Bourne-Arton told the court Mr O'Mara had taken out £7,000 in cash during a single month, roughly double the amount coming in through his salary, and asked Mr Arnold what he thought the money was for.