Former Wales international footballer among six charged with serious fraud

Six men, including former Wales international footballer Mark Aizlewood have appeared in court charged in connection with serious fraud.

The investigation by the Serious Fraud Office involved the activity of Luis Michael Training Ltd, a company purporting to provide young people with football-based apprenticeship schemes.

Mark Aizlewood [56, from Aberdare, Wales], Christopher Paul Martin [51, from Newbury, England], Keith Anthony Williams [43, from Anglesey, Wales], Paul Anthony Sugrue [55, from Cardiff, Wales], Steven Paul Gooding [52, from Bridgwater, England] and Jack William Harper [29, from Southport, England] are charged with offences ranging from conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, to fraud and using a false instrument.

It is alleged Luis Michael Training Ltd claimed payments from several Further Education Colleges for training and education services they did not, in fact, provide.

Mark Aizlewood, Paul Anthony Sugrue, Christopher Paul Martin and Keith Anthony Williams were directors and shareholders of Luis Michael Training Ltd. Steven Paul Gooding and Jack William Harper are said to have been employed as recruiters of learners for this company.

The alleged conduct took place between 2009 and 2011.

The six defendants will make their next appearance at Southwark Crown Court on 1st June.