A man who rented a former Fenland pub to set up shop selling furniture, games, bric a brac and second hand electrical goods- will appear at Cambridge Crown Court on fraud and drug offences.

Alek Sire – previously known as Sir Alek Sire and also Sir Raphael Merlotte - has his case listed for trial on July 28.

The 40 year-old, formerly of Somersham, who gives his address as Main Road, Thorney Toll, faces what police describe as “three linked charity frauds”.

He also faces a charge of possession with intent to supply Class B controlled drugs.

The victim in all three alleged frauds is Fenland District Council and the charges relate to claims that the umbrella organisation he ran, the Rose Project, was a registered charity.

He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on July 2 and has been remanded in custody until his trial after police arrested him in Inverness, Scotland, on July 1 for failure to appear at court.