By Duncan Mackay

London 2012 Olympic Stadium from air September 13 2012November 14 -  Three people have been charged over allegations of spying during the bid for the controversial London 2012 Olympic Stadium, it was announced today. 


West Ham United and the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) alleged information was unlawfully obtained.

The three men are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

Tottenham were accused of ordering surveillance on all 14 members of the OPLC Board during the Stadium bidding process, which ultimately chose West Ham's bid over that of Tottenham before the process collapsed in October 2011.

The club has denied the claims.

Richard Forrest, 30, of Furzefield in Crawley, Lee Stewart, 39, of More Lane in Esher, and Howard Hill, 58, of Shrigley Road South in Stockport, are due appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on November 28.

All three are currently on bail.

Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and West Ham had bid for the use of the Stadium but Tottenham lost out to West Ham in the race to become the OPLC's first choice to move into the Stadium after London 2012. 

After the agreement collapsed the Government announced that the Stadium would remain in public ownership, but it will be rented out to an anchor tenant, with West Ham remaining the favourites. 

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