The first witness has been called in the Julie Corkill trial

Joseph William Hawthorn worked for Triple A Construction, a sub-contractor who, between June and November 2002 carried out drainage and building work at the defendant's home, at Ballacain, Onchan. (pictured)

The court heard "Triple A" billed for ?16,000 of work, ?4,000 of which they weren't paid for.

They then sued the main contractor GC Construction.

According to the prosecution, with the legal action underway Julie Corkill , wife of the then Chief Minister Richard Corkill, rang Mr Hawthorn.

She said she couldn't believe he was suing GC Construction for ?4,000.

The court heard she then said "Do you know who I am? Do you know the power I have? You'll never work for the government again"

Mr Hawthorn said he was very unhappy about this but, as Mrs Corkill owed him a lot of money, he replaced her drive, which he had done originally, free of charge.

Julie Corkill denies all the charges against her.

The trial continues.