Pair in court over alleged parish council fraud

Two people have appeared in court charged in connection with alleged fraud involving a parish council in Cheshire.

James McGregor, 38, of Woore Road, Audlem, has been accused of fraud by abuse of position while serving as chairman of Audlem Parish Council between February and May 2022.

Prosecutors allege he dishonestly abused his position intending to make a gain of more than £169,049.

McGregor did not indicate a plea during a hearing at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Olivia Payne, 32, of the same address, denied a charge of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property relating to the same amount of money.

Both defendants were granted bail and are due to appear before Chester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 12 June.

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