Crime
Former Labour Councillor Paul Flowers Sees Fraud Trial Postponed
The fraud case of former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers has been adjourned – after his lawyers said he wasn’t notified of a court hearing until the day before.
Former Bradford Labour Councillor Paul Flowers, who was also a once a chairman of the Co-operative Bank, was due to appear before magistrates this week to face fraud charges.
Flowers, who represented the Labour Party for Bradford Council from 2001 to 2011, stands accused of abusing his authority to commit an act of fraud, and will attend Manchester magistrates on August 30th.
Flowers, 73, allegedly committed the fraud between June 2016 and October 2017.
The full charge against Mr Flowers listed by the 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.”
Between 2010 and 2013, Flowers, a former minister at a number of Bradford Methodist churches, served as chairman of the Co-operative Bank and the Co-operative Insurance Society.
Mr Flowers has been warned that he will be arrested if he fails to attend the next court hearing.
Flowers told The Mail on Sunday: “I saw the police just over four years ago. Since then I have not been cautioned, arrested or charged for anything.
Flowers was not present for the brief hearing on Wednesday (August 30). His lawyers said he had not received notification until Tuesday (August 29).
Rafih Khan, prosecuting, told magistrates a letter informing Mr Flowers of the hearing had been sent. 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 Mr Flowers could attend the next hearing. She said: “This case will be adjourned until September 6, if you could warn your client he will be arrested if he does not attend.”
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