In brief

STOKE-ON-TRENT: A man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing £122,000 in a suspected VAT fraud following a raid by customs officers.

The 45-year-old Stoke-on-Trent man was questioned under caution by investigators and has been bailed until April 16.

A home and two business premises were searched and computers and business records were seized.

He was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion and cheating the public revenue.

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Adrian Farley, assistant director of criminal investigation for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,, said: "This action sends a firm message to anyone involved or considering fraud against HMRC – your time is up."

BLYTHE BRIDGE: A woman charged with dangerous driving in Cheadle has been committed to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Beverley Mander, aged 37, of Jasmine Close, Blythe Bridge, is accused of the offence on July 9, alongside charges of failing to report an accident in which injury was caused to another person and failing to stop after a road accident.

Mander has indicated she will enter a not guilty plea and will appear at the crown court for a plea and case management hearing on February 11.

FENTON: Two men accused of stealing meat and flu medication totalling £732.07p from the Co-op in Cheadle, on December 7 had the charge withdrawn against them by the Crown Prosecution Service at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

The the charges were withdrawn on the basis that both men were already serving a 48-week sentence imposed in Crewe. They are Andrew Shenton, aged 39, of Nelson Street, Fenton and Simon Vincent, aged 40, of Locketts Lane, Longton.

CONGLETON: The funeral of a restaurant owner who was killed in a car crash was due to take place today.

Eli Leconte, aged 51, from Congleton, was killed in a car crash on January 6.

Mr Leconte owned L'Endroit in Congleton and was described as a lover of nature, travel, history and food.

The service was scheduled to be held at Bradwell Crematorium from 11.20am.

BASFORD: Fifty-year-old Colin McAuley, of Haydon Street, Basford, was committed to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court when he appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. he is accused of making indecent photographs of a child.

He will appear at the crown court on February 11 and has indicated a not guilty plea.

He was bailed until that date.