Alleged fraudster committed to trial

A man alleged to have taken nearly $4 million in a Green Acres franchise fraud has been committed to trial.

Keith Lapham pleaded not guilty to three charges in Auckland District Court today after the Serious Fraud Office alleged that in 2007 he fraudulently obtained the money in misrepresentations to the Green Acres franchise group and to people who gave him funds to establish their own franchise operations.

About 200 people, mostly immigrants, were alleged to have paid Lapham for non-existent ironing franchises.

The court was told there would be 44 witness statements.

Lapham's lawyer Peter Davey told the court a prima facie case was admitted.

Before justices of the peace, Lapham entered not guilty pleas to all three charges and was remanded on bail to appear again in June.

The terms of his bail were suppressed.

- NZPA