A court has been told the election agent for the South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay was an honest, straightforward and decent man.

Nathan Gray is one of three defendants facing charges related to claims election expenses returns were incorrectly reported.

In his closing defence statement, Jason Burke QC said it was likely the prosecution had relied on at least one important significant witness in the case who had been dishonest.

Referring to the issue concerning how there had been a forged signature on one of the expenses returns submitted, he said it was likely that one or the other of two key Conservative officials - Victoria Carslake, his line manager - and Miranda Bradbury, association secretary - had been responsible.

He reminded the jury Nathan Gray had been ridiculed behind his back about his lack of experience by other members of the South Thanet Conservative Association when he began working.

He said Gray had taken the job of election agent because other members of the association had been aware that the party's election returns were likely to be challenged by Ukip and decided not to apply for the role.

He invited the jury to consider if this was a "cynical attempt to protect themselves."

The jury was also reminded that Nathan Gray had taken on the job because "he did not want to let people down."

The jury heard how association officials had in emails queried his lack of experience and described him as amiable but an idiot.

He said Mr Gray had continued to have the support of his employer in Hong Kong who had kept his job open.

"It is quite plain that he made a favourable impression and continued to employ him - even when he broke up with his girlfriend who was his niece," he said.

Mr Burke brought up his decision to stand for election in Tunbridge Wells because he wanted to help the community.

"There is no glory in this. No money. He decided to stand to help the people of Tunbridge Wells," he added.

The court later heard the opening defence statement from James Sturnam QC acting for Marion Little, the election campaigner who is also accused of falsifying election returns.

He said: "She was not some nasty party apparatchik determined to win at all costs."

He said many had described the seat as the the most important Conservative one, when it was actually the most important anti-Ukip seat.

He said Mrs Little had been brought in to help that campaign and while there were times when she did assist in South Thanet, her work was focused on the what was described as the 40-40 list of marginal seats.

Mackinlay denies two counts of "knowingly making a false declaration on an election expenses return", contrary to the Representation of the People Act.

Gray denies one count of knowingly using a false instrument "namely in respect of the election expenses return for the long campaign period".

He also denies "knowingly making a false declaration on an election expenses return".

Little denies three counts of "intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence" in relation to the expenses returns.

The trial continues.