Tory hopeful Ian Oakley has been charged by police for his alleged involvement in a three-year hate vendetta.

The 31-year-old former Conservative parliamentary candidate, who quit the party this week, was charged by police in relation to five counts of criminal damage and two counts of harassment.

Mr Oakley was questioned by officers at Rickmansworth Police Station for much of yesterday. He was then charged at around 5pm.

He has been bailed to appear at St Albans Magistrates on Tuesday, August 5.

For full story and reaction, see tomorrow's printed edition of the Watford Observer.