by Keith Hunt

City councillor Roger Matthews and estate agent and developer Julian Brealy denied a corruption charge when they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Matthews, 57, of Beltinge Road, Herne Bay, and Brealy, 50, of Mandarin Lane, Herne Bay, were bailed until their trial on March 1 next year.

They were charged following an investigation by Kent Police’s serious economic crime unit.

Matthews has been suspended by the Liberal Democrats pending the outcome of the case but continues to represent Greenhill and Eddington as an independent.

He is self-employed in property management. Brealy owns Hern Bay Golf Club.