Pair on trial over 'fraud' at Torex (From Witney Gazette)

Pair on trial over 'fraud' at Torex

9:30am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

THE trial of two men charged with conspiracy to commit fraud started yesterday at Oxford Crown Court.

Nigel Horn, 58, and 42-year-old Mark Woodbridge both deny illegal activity in connection with software firm Torex Retail, which had offices in Banbury and Witney.

Woodbridge, of Mill Farm, Brookhampton, Kineton, Warwickshire, is accused of three counts of false accounting in 2006, between May 1 and August 15.

He also faces two counts of conspiracy to defraud between May 1, 2006, and January 26, 2007.

Horn, of The Avenue, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, is also charged with conspiracy to defraud between November 1, 2006, and January 26, 2007.

The trial follows a long investigation by the Serious Fraud Office and is expected to take between 10 and 12 weeks.

Yesterday 37 members of the public were told by Judge Mary Jane Mowat they may form part of the jury that hears the “rather unusual” case.

She said: “This trial will concern alleged fraud in relation to a company and its management.

“It will be quite complex and will make demands on the concentration and time of the jury. But I think it could be a great learning opportunity for anyone who wants to do it.”

The trial continues.