A PROMINENT Labour councillor has appeared in court charged with conspiracy to defraud and perjury.
Leader of the North West regional assembly and former deputy leader of Lancashire County Council Frank McKenna, 38, of Field View, Skelmersdale, appeared with John Fillis, 42, of Southport Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire.
The preliminary hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court was to notify of an application for a change of venue for their case.
Both are charged that between January 6 1997 and January 13 1997 in Ormskirk they conspired to defraud Jane Smith and others by deceiving them into accepting a return of election expenses together with supporting receipts as genuine.
McKenna is also charged that on May 23, 1997, he knowingly and wilfully made a statement thata return of election expenses was complete and correct and that all the expenses that were shown in the return had been paid by him, contrary to section five of a perjury act.
They have been bailed for a plea and directions hearing at Shrewsbury crown court on July 16.
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