Trust director on fraud charges

TRUST Oldham’s finance director is to appear in court after allegedly writing fraudulent cheques

Michael Nuttall (39), of Samuel Street, Levenshulme, has been charged with fraud by abuse of a position of trust over cheques amounting to £2,400. He will appear at Oldham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A police investigation was launched in July following an allegation of fraud by a director at Trust Oldham, an Oldham Athletic supporters’ organisation.

Trust Oldham was set up in 2003 when former Latics owner Chris Moore left the League One club in dire financial straits.

The group was formed to save the club from liquidation and when the three amigos — Simon Corney, Simon Blitz and Danny Gazal — took over in 2004, members paid £200,000 for a three per cent stake in the club. Members raise money to help stabilise the club’s finances — and hand over around £1,000 a month.

Another man was previously arrested as part of the investigation, but was released without charge.