A builder has admitted a charge of aiding and abetting the wife of former Chief Minister Richard Corkill in the case involving work carried out on holiday cottages at the couple's home at Ballacain in Onchan.

William Kelly, a partner in the firm G C Construction pleaded "guilty" when he appeared before the High Bailiff, Michael Moyle, today.

Julie Corkill is due to stand trial on July 12th on three charges of false accounting and Mr Kelly will be sentenced after those proceedings have concluded.

As a result of the "guilty" plea, charges of forgery against Mr Kelly and Mrs Corkill have been withdrawn.

The court heard Mr Kelly would now resume his position as a witness for the Crown, and would be making a statement later today.

The offence admitted by Mr Kelly says he helped Mrs. Corkill produce a document required by the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

Mrs. Corkill denies all the charges against her.