A COUNCIL group leader accused of fraud and forgery offences has seen his case adjourned for a fortnight.

Middlesbrough councillor Jon Rathmell was due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court to face one charge of fraud by false representation and two counts of using a false instrument yesterday morning (October 5).

But the first hearing for the case has been adjourned for two weeks.

The 42-year-old, of Mallowdale, Nunthorpe, is the leader of Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA).

The two charges of using a false instrument fall under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

Cllr Rathmell briefly stepped down as leader of the MICA group in October last year citing ill health – before returning as the group’s spearhead earlier this year.

The Nunthorpe councillor is well known for his outspoken style both inside and outside the council chamber.

He was a prominent supporting voice of independent Andy Preston in the lead up to the 2019 mayoral elections in the town.

However, relations have cooled between the two since Mr Preston’s election.

Cllr Rathmell is now set to appear in court on Monday, October 19.