Former MP Katie Wallis Receives Conditional Discharge for Bypassing Gambling Self-Exclusion

Former Conservative MP Katie Wallis has received a nine-month conditional discharge after admitting that she changed the date of birth on a digital passport image to bypass gambling self-exclusion.

The case was heard at Cardiff Crown Court on November 2. Wallis pleaded guilty to an offence under the Computer Misuse Act relating to conduct in April 2022, while she was serving as MP for Bridgend. 

Altered Image Used to Access Gambling Account

The court heard that Wallis had registered with a national self-exclusion scheme before entering Parliament.

She subsequently used the altered passport image to access an unnamed gambling platform, deposited money and lost it. The amount was not disclosed.

Prosecutors confirmed that her physical passport had not been altered. The case concerned a digitally modified photograph or scan.

Judge Cites Limited Harm and Personal Mitigation

Judge Shomon Khan described the conduct as a single, impulsive act committed during acute psychological distress. He noted that nobody else suffered financial loss, no other person’s data was accessed and no computer system was damaged.

The conditional discharge means Wallis could be resentenced for the offence if she commits another offence within nine months. She was also ordered to pay a £26 statutory surcharge.

Two separate charges concerning possession of a false passport did not result in convictions.