A FORMER borough councillor is to appear before the crown court accused of benefit fraud.

David Cassidy, 55, an ex-Labour member of Sheppey council who stood as an Independent in last May's borough council elections for Sheerness West ward, has been charged on three counts of dishonestly obtaining benefit by failing to declare that he had capital of more than £8,000.

The offences allegedly occurred on August 14, 1997; August 25, 1998, and December 12, 1999, respectively.

The case, brought by the Department of Social Security at Sittingbourne Magistrates' Court, was adjourned and will be transferred to Maidstone Crown Court for trial.

Mr Cassidy, of Alsager Road, Queenborough, failed to gain a seat in the last elections.