A FORMER engineering manager of a Fenland produce company is facing 13 charges of fraud.

It is alleged that 40-year-old Darren Howell abused his position with Fenmarc Produce by ordering a number of items including a gearbox, an electrical part for a fire alarm and a filter unit.

He is accused of committing all the offences between December 31 2008 and January 1 2010.

Howell appeared before Fenland magistrates alongside co-defendant Simon Roberts, facing six charges of aiding and abetting offences committed by Howell.

Howell, of Washway Road, Holbeach; and Roberts, of Hyholmes, Bretton, were granted a three-week adjournment for their Legal Aid applications to be made.

Their case is due back before Peterborough magistrates on April 6. They are on unconditional bail.