Fraud on an industrial scale which struck at the very heart of democracy.
That’s how police have described the case and sentencing of three people for election fraud.
Charles Lewin was yesterday (Tuesday) sentenced to three and a half years in prison after conspiring dishonestly to secure proxy votes, conspiring to steal and conspiring to forge a document.
He was the campaign manager for the Manx Election Trust, representing celebrity chef Kevin Woodford in the 2010 Douglas East by-election.
The senior investigating officer in the case, Detective Inspector Iain MacMillan, said 57 year-old Lewin was involved in a 'highly organised system designed to fraudulently obtain proxy voting rights'.
He believes the investigation shows Island authorities will investigate allegations of tampering with the democratic process robustly.
Golf course fire was organised burn that became 'uncontrolled'
Jail for man who stole nearly £70k from Western Civic Amenity Site
"Halfway Horse Tram" not the only problem on the prom, says council leader
Emergency services tackle fire at Peel Golf Course
Report calls for Visit Isle of Man to be established as a statutory tourism board