MICHAEL Eke, the former leader of March Air Training Corps, who faces 30 charges of dishonesty, has made a fresh court appearance over allegations that he altered his late mother s will. Eke, 38, of Plover Drive, March, appeared before Fenland magistrates

MICHAEL Eke, the former leader of March Air Training Corps, who faces 30 charges of dishonesty, has made a fresh court appearance over allegations that he altered his late mother's will.

Eke, 38, of Plover Drive, March, appeared before Fenland magistrates on Wednesday to hear two charges read out relating to the will of his mother, Barbara Eke.

Mrs Eke, a retired factory worker, died last year, aged 71, in the Iceni Unit of Doddington Hospital.

Eke, awarded the MBE in 2003, is accused of forging a statement or codicil - a legal amendment to a will - purporting to be signed or executed by Barbara Eke, on October 31 2004.

The second charge alleges he forged a statement or codicil, apportioning percentages of her estate, purporting to be signed or executed by Barbara Eke, on October 31 2004.

Eke chose not to enter a plea to either of the charges, alleged to have been committed between October 1 2004 and July 20, 2005. The magistrates decided these charges should also be dealt with in the Crown Court, and gave Eke unconditional bail until a committal hearing on May 24.

Barbara Eke, formerly of Chestnut Crescent, March, was a member of March Braza Club, the Over Sixties Club, and was interested in line dancing.

Her husband John predeceased her, and besides Michael she left a daughter, Beryl Hudson of Whittlesey, and sons Steven of Gloucester and Ian of South Wales. A fourth son, Peter, also predeceased her.

Eke is due to appear before Cambridge Crown Court early next month. He faces charges ranging from alleged deception of National Lottery 'Awards for All' funds, alleged theft of equipment from Cambridgeshire Police, for whom he previously worked, to alleged obtaining bogus letters of support to encourage the Government to recommend his award of the MBE.