Former Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers appears in court accused of fraud

Former Co-op bank boss and Greater Manchester councillor Paul Flowers has appeared in court accused of fraud.

Mr Flowers, 73, appeared in the dock at Manchester Magistrates’ Court wearing a brown jacket, dark pink shirt and black pants, and was using a zimmer frame.

The court heard that he is accused of fraud by abuse of position, namely that between June 28 2016 and October 28 2017, at Salford, he committed fraud whilst acting as power of attorney in which he was expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of Margaret Mary Jarvis.

READ MORE: The gangsters from down the M62 who brought terror to Manchester

READ MORE: Man's 'secret life' unravelled after door staff searched him at a bar

He is accused of dishonestly abusing that position by defrauding the woman of a staircase, carpets and 11 cheques.

During the brief hearing Mr Flowers, of Salford, gave no indication of plea, and the case was adjourned for a further hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Prosecuting, Rafih Khan said: “This is a case of fraud by abuse of position and in terms of the amount alleged, it is £196,762.38.” He added that the case was not suitable to be dealt with at the Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Flower’s defence solicitor, David Philpott, offered no representations.

Formally sending the case to the crown court, District Judge Joanne Hirst told Mr Flowers: “I can't deal with this matter here, as if convicted of this matter it will carry a longer sentence than I can impose.”

The case was adjourned to November 8 for a preliminary hearing to be heard at Manchester Crown Court. Mr Flowers, of Brattice Drive, was granted unconditional bail.