Couldn't Happen To A Nicer Bloke

EX-SWANS CHIEF IN FRAUD PROBE DAVID STOAKES

Former Swansea City Football Club chief executive Mike Lewis could face allegations of conspiracy to commit fraud, it emerged today. The claims relate to his time at Exeter City Football Club where he was vice-chairman before resigning last season. The Fraud Squad of Devon and Cornwall Police arrested Mr Lewis and two other people 11 months ago and he has been on bail ever since. At the time they seized papers, including company accounts, relating to his time at the helm of the Swans. Police said today four people, none of whom have any current links with the Exeter club, have had a file prepared on them which has now been sent to the CPS. In a statement the squad added: "The Crown Prosecution Service has considered the file submitted to them by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in connection with allegations of conspiracy to defraud, theft and deception. "The CPS has now requested a full file with a view to instructing counsel. The file submitted to the CPS concerns alleged offences committed by four persons, none of whom are presently involved with Exeter City Football Club." At the time of Mr Lewis's arrest last year Swansea City said it would be happy to help with any inquiry. Mr Lewis was at the Vetch from summer 1998 to the end of 2001. At one stage he sold the club for a nominal £1 to controversial Australian businessman Tony Petty. Mr Lewis, who still lives in Gorseinon, has consistently denied any wrongdoing either at Swansea or Exeter. Police in Devon acted after the Football Association described the finances of Exeter City as perilous. Mr Lewis said he did not want to comment until he was officially informed of the action to be taken by his solicitors or the police. But following his arrest last May Mr Lewis, who is in his 60s, was questioned for 12 hours. He insisted at the time: "I have not done anything wrong. It is the first time I have been in a cell and it was not very pleasant. "They asked me about Swansea when I was there, and I told them there was no wrong financial activity."

ENDS

What goes around comes around eh Michael?

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?