A right-wing activist from Dartford has been jailed for seven and a half months for forging election nomination papers during the 2013 local election.

Steve Uncles, former candidate for the English Democrats Dartford was found guilty of seven counts of forgery and two counts of falsifying a statement relating to election candidates.

Uncles, of Shears Close, submitted nomination papers for the political party he supported to a number of different local councils.

Last year, Uncles stood as a candidate in the police and crime commissioned elections, coming last.

It was discovered that neither candidates nor their addresses he claimed they lived in actually existed.

Police found that Uncles was attempting to gain more publicity for the party he supported.

Detective Sergeant Alec Wood said: “In the 2013 local elections, Uncles submitted a number of nomination papers to council returning officers that contained details that were either materially false, were not signed by those who were standing, or simply didn’t exist at all.

“In two cases the identities of two very elderly persons were used without their explicit knowledge.

“These actions have deceived voters into casting a vote for persons who simply could never have taken office.

“These actions have undermined the electoral process which is the mechanism by which democratic societies determine the direction and control of our communities and society.”

A spokesman for the English Democrats confirmed Uncles had resigned from his position in the party.

The spokesman said: "Most of the allegations were for over enthusiasm. We believe he will be appealing so by no means are we at the end of the story.

"The authorities with their political correct hats on sent him down for a first offence."

Uncles was interviewed in May 2013 where he admitted completing and handing in a number of forms and further admitted forging a signature.

He said he believed the candidates did exist despite not having met them.

Uncles was charged with the offences in February 2014 and was found guilty on 24 February 2017.

Detective Wood said: “Under the relevant legislation these offences are a ‘corrupt practice’ which means Uncles is barred from standing in an election for the next five years.

“I hope that the sentence issued by the court today serves as a reminder that those who tamper with the election process that they will be held to account in a criminal court.”