Man accused of romance fraud denies charges

A man accused of so-called romance fraud has denied more than 20 charges in connection with allegations involving multiple women.

At Chester Crown Court on Friday, Marc Cole-Jones, aged 52 and from Telford, pleaded not guilty to 25 counts of fraud by false representation in relation to seven women from Cheshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Manchester, and the West Midlands.

The alleged scams are reported to have occurred during a 15-year period between 2009 and 2024, totalling £595,791.

Cole-Jones, also known as Marc Cole, Marcus Cole-Jones and Marc Sands, was released on bail, with a trial set for 28 June.

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