Former Mayor, Omar Faruque Ansari, to be prosecuted by Camden Council

Published: 17 June 2010
by RICHARD OSLEY

THE Town Hall is set to bring its own benefits fraud prosecution against former Camden Mayor Omar Faruque Ansari.

Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday morning that Camden Council wants to add its own charges to an ongoing case being run by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) against Mr Ansari.

The ex-Liberal Demo-

crat councillor was arrested in January and later charged with fraud offences relating to payments made to him in connection with an injury to his neck.

He appeared in the dock on Friday as the case was adjourned again because his legal team has not seen all of the new court paperwork. The DWP’s proceedings are expected to end in a crown court 

trial later this year.

Prosecutors said that paperwork relating to new charges being sought by Camden Council relate to council tax and housing benefits breaks sought by Mr Ansari.

He has already pleaded not guilty to three charges brought by the DWP but has not had the chance to answer any new allegations raised by the council. Mr Ansari denies any wrongdoing over his financial affairs. He suffered a heart attack shortly after his arrest and was walking with the aid of a stick and holding a bottle of water in court on Friday. During a 10-minute hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name. An order has been made to prevent his address being read out in open court.

Mr Ansari took up the mayoral chain in May 2009. He was suspended by the Lib Dem group in January but retained his office.

His ill health meant he was unable to return to council work and was unable to chair Town Hall meetings or take on the traditional role of returning officer at the recent elections.

A council spokeswoman said Camden could not comment on any new charges ahead of the legal proceedings.