Overview
- Cole-Jones, 52, denied 25 counts of fraud by false representation at Chester Crown Court.
- Judge Patrick Thompson set a pre-trial preparation hearing for June 1, 2026, and a trial for June 28, 2027.
- He was granted conditional bail with an order not to contact the seven complainants.
- The prosecution alleges he posed as a successful businessman to secure investments and emergency payments, including a £100,000 hyperfund and a canal boat later sold for a £75,000 profit.
- One complainant, Kelly Wright, is said to have transferred £489,000 across 15 payments, including individual sums of £158,000 and £100,000.