BENTHAM accountant Geoff Langdale has been sent to crown court on charges of theft and fraud.

Langdale, 63, of Springfield, is charged with fraud by false representation at Enterprise House, Main Street, Bentham, from January, 2007 to June, last year.

He is said to have told 15 people that their money would be invested into a high interest bearing savings account requiring 90 days notice of withdrawal while intending to make a gain for himself, or cause loss, or risk of loss to another.

He is further charged with obtaining property by deception at Enterprise House between June, 2002 and January, 2007.

Langdale appeared at Skipton Magistrates Court when he entered no pleas. Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Bradford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing next Friday, June 13.