Top band's money man admits theft (From Warrington Guardian)

Top band's money man admits theft

A MIDDLEWICH man who managed the accounts of top rock band The Charlatans has admitted swindling almost £300,000 from the band.

Trevor Williams, aged 48, of Lewin Street, admitted taking the cash when he appeared before magistrates in Northwich on Wednesday last week.

The court heard that Williams handled the band's money from the start of their career but only started stealing from them in September 1994.

His dishonesty came to light last June when Cheshire police's fraud unit launched a probe into his business affairs.

Their investigation revealed that he had stolen nearly £70,000 from two other clients using his business, Trevor Williams Accounting Services.

Williams, who was charged in March, admitted both thefts as well as fraudulent trading.

In court, Williams spoke only to confirm his name and address and to admit the offences, and he was sent to crown court for sentencing.

No members of The Charlatans were in court but the hearing was watched by their manager, Steve Harrison.

This is the latest setback to befall a group who have had three number one albums during the 1990s.

After bursting into the limelight in 1990, the band saw their record sales dip and had to battle through the death of their keyboard player, Rob Collins.

But in 1997 they forced their way back to even greater popularity. They supported Oasis at their record-breaking Knebworth shows and saw their number one album Tellin' Stories spawn huge hits such as One to Another and North Country Boy.

The band are currently recording their seventh album and should release new material later this year.

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