Free range fraud case to start in 2010

Three people charged following an inquiry into allegedly bogus free

range eggs were expected to appear at Worcester Crown Court again this

month to enter pleas.

The case has been brought by Defra Investigation Service following an

investigation into Heart of England Eggs, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Three people were charged at Redditch Magistrates Court on November 11 last year. Keith Owen, Alan Owen and Carol Owen are all charged with conspiracy to defraud.

Keith Owen and Carol Owen are also charged with perverting the course of justice. In addition, Keith Owen faces charges of using a false instrument and false accounting.

A preliminary hearing was held at Worcester Crown Court on March 2.

The accused were due to appear in court again on March 26, when they

were expected to formally enter their pleas.

A trial is not expected to take place before 2010. It could last up to

three months.