Golf club treasurer on fraud charge

OLDHAM Golf club treasurer and former captain David Beech has been charged by police with fraud by abuse of position.

He was due to appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court today after his case was adjourned following a first hearing last week. He is yet to enter a plea.

The Chronicle revealed last month how Mr Beech, who was captain at the Lees Road club in 2003 and treasurer from 2005, was at the centre of a money-laundering investigation by South Yorkshire Police. He was interviewed over irregularities involving the golf club and two companies with which he has connections.

It is understood the irregularities involve a sum of more than £50,000.

Cash moved between accounts in the past 20 months. Mr Beech was dismissed from his job and resigned from Oldham Golf Club.

The golf club has reassured members that it has not been adversely affected financially and its future is assured.