Ex-mayor of Ripon faces trial on Jubilee fraud charge

Andrew Williams, who in 2007 became the city’s youngest ever civic head, a post he took on again for 2012-13, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday accused of fraud by abuse of position.

The 43-year-old pleaded not guilty to a charge which accuses him of dishonestly, and intending to make a gain for himself or another, abusing his position as mayor, in which he was expected to safeguard or not to act against the financial interests of the city council, by failing to deposit with the council £220 takings received from John Taylor, of C&M Ices, Harrogate.

The alleged offence, said to have been committed between June 3 and November 1 last year, was said by court chairman Alison Stockdale to be too serious to remain under the jurisdiction of magistrates.

She sent Williams, of Pine View, Locker Lane, Ripon, for trial at York Crown Court where he will make an initial appearance later this month for a hearing on November 18.

Williams was allowed bail in the meantime on condition that he does not have any contact with Mr Taylor.