Fraud charges Inverness councillor's trial date set

A HIGHLAND councillor who faces charges of benefit fraud is

John Holden

set to face trial at Inverness Sheriff Court next month.

John Holden appeared in court for an intermediate hearing on Tuesday, where he maintained his not guilty plea and his defence solicitor Michael Chapman said he is prepared for trial on May 25.

The court also heard it is a case involving 37 Crown witnesses and 2,600 pages of documents.

Mr Chapman added there are nine potential defence witnesses whose addresses are in the process of being confirmed.

Holden (62), of Teal Avenue, Inverness, represents Inverness South ward on Highland Council.

He has denied falsely claiming income support in excess of £34,000 and council tax benefits and single occupancy allowances worth more than £9,000. The offences allegedly took place between 1999 and 2008.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen said he was satisfied the trial could "at least start" on the due date.