Paul Flowers: Ex-Co-op Bank chairman in court accused of fraud

Former Co-operative Bank chairman Paul Flowers has been accused of defrauding someone of carpets and by using cheques while acting under a power of attorney.

Mr Flowers, 73, a former Methodist minister and Labour councillor in both Rochdale and Bradford, is accused of fraud by position.

The details of the case were outlined at a hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court, which Mr Flowers did not attend.

His lawyers said he had not received notification of the hearing date.

The case was adjourned until next week to allow him to be present.

The full charge against him listed in court reads: "Between 28/6/16 and 28/10/17 at Salford committed fraud in that while occupying a position, namely Enduring Power of Attorney, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not act against the financial interests of Margaret Mary Jarvis, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely staircase, carpets and 11 cheques paid to the defendant, for yourself, contrary to Sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006."

Rafih Khan, prosecuting, told magistrates that a letter informing Flowers of the court hearing had been sent but the defendant's lawyers told the court his legal team had only been informed about it on Tuesday.

Chair of the bench Jane Whittington agreed to a defence application to have the matter adjourned for a week so Flowers could attend the next hearing.

She said: "This case will be adjourned until 6th September, if you could warn your client he will be arrested if he does not attend."

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