A MAN has appeared in court charged with a string of allegations of fraud and forgery.

William Davenport, of Windlestone Hall, Windlestone, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is alleged to have made false representations that he was employed by an American-based company called Veneretech as head of European operations, that he was on an annual salary of £403,000 and that he had worked for the company for 16 years and had paid UK tax.

Mr Davenport, also known as Carrington, is also alleged to have forged payslips, a reference, contract of employment and a P60.

Paula Sanderson, prosecuting, said the nine charges are said to involve complex fraud and forgery offences relating to alleged fraudulent mortgage applications - one for £200,000, one for £500,000, one for more than £700,000 and one for £1.5 million.

Speaking only to confirm his name today (Wednesday, January 13) at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, he made no indications of pleas to the charges, which date between April 2012 and July 2013.

The 59-year-old was granted bail with conditions that he lives and sleeps at Windlestone Hall and must report to Bishop Auckland police officers every Monday and Friday.

He is due to appear before Teesside Crown Court on February 10.