A FORMER council officer is facing trial over an alleged £400,000 fraud.

David Archer is accused of getting the money over a six-year period while he was working as Chelmsford City Council's play officer.

Archer denied three charges of fraud and one of theft when he made a brief appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court.

His trial will take place in June. The 54-year-old was granted bail until then.

The prosecution has alleged the fraud involving £398,002 was carried out between June 2004 and September 2010, while Archer was working as the council’s play officer, and involved some 50 cheques.

Archer, of Cheviot Drive, Chelmsford, is accused of obtaining £75,985 by deception from Chelmsford Council by falsely representing work had been conducted by the Essex Play Council when it had not.

He is also accused of making a false representation that work costing £156,469 had been carried out on behalf of the council by the Essex Play Council when it had not.

Archer has also denied failing to disclose to Chelmsford Council he was a trustee for the Essex Association of Youth Clubs and an account holder and signatory for the Essex Play Council.

The charge alleges he was under a legal duty to disclose this information and by not doing so, intended to make a gain for himself.

The fourth charge alleges Archer stole an account balance of £165,548.38 belonging to Chelmsford Council.