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A former Knowsley councillor will stand trial later this year accused of a £25,000 benefit fraud.

Ray Halpin, 64, is accused of failing to declare income from his allowance as a councillor and from three pension funds – while claiming benefits from the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP).

Halpin has pleaded not guilty to one count of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain a benefit, and three counts of dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of a change in circumstances.

According to the charges he failed to inform the authorities of relevant income from two Mersey Pension funds and a Legal & General pension fund.

The former Labour councillor, who represented Shevington ward in Kirkby until last Thursday's elections, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today leaning heavily on a walking stick.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between April 2012 and January last year.

According to Knowsley Council’s website he sat on several committees, including the Governance Committee and Sub-Committee, and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

During an earlier hearing in the lower courts, Julian Linskill, defending, said said his client maintained his innocence and claimed there was “no dishonesty here”.

Judge Alan Conrad, QC, set the trial for a date during the week commencing October 1.

Halpin, of Weaver Avenue in Kirkby, was granted unconditional bail.