Donor ‘stole $10m from Man Utd chief'

THE Liberal Democrats' record-breaking donor stole a fortune from former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards, a court heard today.

Michael Brown gave the Lib-Dems £2.4 million in donations and lived extravagantly on stolen money, the jury was told.

He made political gifts to create the impression he was a rich man then deflected suspicion with false returns and bogus documents.

Brown failed to turn up at Southwark crown court today, but Judge James Wadsworth QC told the jury his absence should not be taken as an "indication of guilt".

Martin Edmund QC, prosecuting, said Brown claimed to be a bond dealer, and persuaded Mr Edwards to transfer $10 million into Mr Brown's control for the purpose of international bond dealing.

"He deceived Mr Edwards to get hold of his money".

Brown, 42, of Hampstead, denies nine offences including theft and fraud in 2005 and 2006.

The trial continues.