A FORMER Malvern care home manager has appeared in court to deny fraud by abuse of position.

Ann Comer was the care home manager at Springfield House care home in Malvern at the time the five frauds are alleged to have taken place.

The 52-year-old of Waterfield Road, Hereford, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court today. At the short hearing she confirmed her name, date of birth and address.

Through her solicitor, Michael Horne, she indicated she would plead not guilty to all five charges. The indictment names a single alleged victim of the frauds which are said by the prosecution to have occurred between December 1, 2016 and September 11, 2017 and to have involved a sum of £809. The charge says that 'while occupying a position, namely care home manager, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of the complainant, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain for yourself'.

Magistrates considered the case too serious to deal with and therefore declined jurisdiction.

Comer was granted unconditional bail to attend a further hearing at Worcester Crown Court on September 9.