A Merseyside man has appeared in court after he was charged with fraud as part of an investigation into fraudulently signed building cladding safety forms.
Thomas Clarke, 33, of Second Avenue in Rainhill appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today charged with fraud by false representation regarding the signing of EWS1 safety forms in the name of a woman called Sophie Magee without her knowledge or consent.
EWS1 forms were introduced following the Grenfell disaster so residents could get their building’s cladding assessed for potential fire risk. According to charges put to him today, Clarke is alleged to have signed 88 EWS1 forms in the name of Ms Magee without her knowledge of consent, intending to make a gain of £17,600 for himself.
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In his first appearance at court, Clarke, dressed in a blazer, blue shirt and blue jeans, spoke only to confirm his name and address before issuing a plea of not guilty to the charge of fraud by false representation. Magistrates agreed to send the case to Liverpool Crown Court, where he will face a jury trial.
Clarke has now been bailed and will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 31.
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