EX-CORONER DENIES CHARGES


10:30 - 30 September 2003

Louth: The town's former coroner has denied deception charges involving a total of £47,000.

Neil Sharpley of Westgate, Louth, appeared in court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of obtaining £25,000 from John Lewis in February 1997.

The 52-year-old has also denied a similar charge of deception involving £22,000, which was also obtained from Mr Lewis, in May 1997.

Leicester Crown Court was today hearing legal arguments and a trial jury is expected to be sworn in later this week.