Former timber trader, Claus Wedel, has made a second appearance at Ipswich Crown Court. Mr Wedel of Kesgrave appeared at a second pleas and directions hearing on June 15 charged with fraud and theft.

The case will go to Bury St Edmunds Crown Court on October 15, taking an estimated three weeks.

Mr Wedel is charged with being party to carrying on the business of AB Handling Ltd with intent to defraud creditors or any other person between March 1 and October 8, 1998 at Ipswich.

The second charge is theft of a quantity of ammonium phosphate belonging to SHB Trading Ltd between February 11, 1998 and May 15, 1998.

He is also charged with theft of a bank credit balance valued at £230,000 belonging to AB Handling Ltd between February 11, 1998 and February 15, 1998.

Mr Wedel is no longer associated with his former company, Anglo Norden.