Woman in court over Hillary Clinton film plot

A Scottish woman accused of claiming to know Hillary Clinton in a plot to fleece filmmakers out of £120,000  has appeared in court

Ann Leuser, 56, allegedly negotiated and signed a contract with producer Alison Birley saying she could offer behind the scenes access to the Democrat’s doomed election campaign.

She is said to have used an actor impersonating a member of Mrs Clinton’s campaign team in a ‘sophisticated’ fraud.

Leuser allegedly persuaded Ms Birley to agree to hand over £120,000 in four separate payments of £30,000.

The contract said she personally knew Mrs Clinton and other members of her campaign team and could offer the filmmakers access all areas, it was said.

Leuser also blagged a £3,434.165 all expenses paid trip to New York as part of the scam between 1 April last year and 31 January this year, it is claimed.

Ms Birley is a TV and film producer with production companies Bongo Films, Hawkstone Films, Make Waves Slaves and TBACT.

It is not known if she has, or has ever had, any type of relationship with Mrs Clinton, who was beaten in the presidential race by Donald Trump in November.

Leuser appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court on crutches facing two charges of fraud by false representation.

Taiwo Akinrowo, prosecuting, said: ‘This is a serious fraud case. Factors present are the involvement of others, which includes using an actor to impersonate over the phone a member of Hillary Clinton’s campaign team.

‘It is a sophisticated fraud over a sustained period of time.

‘The amount that had been negotiated was £120,000.’

Leuser had two infections in her hand and leg which previously prevented her from travelling down from Scotland.

Jennifer Sibdon, representing Leuser, earlier told the court: ‘Ms Leuser has significant swelling in both legs as a result of lymphedema.

‘Her condition has improved a little, but she has significant problems with footwear and has difficult walking more than a few yards.’

Leuser, of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, is charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, to which she made no indication.

She was granted unconditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 9 March.
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