Preston council men on trial

The trial of two men accused of corrupt business practice involving Preston Borough Council began this week at Liverpool Crown Court.

John Field, former borough architect and development director for Preston Council denies two charges involving the receipt of gifts and advantages between December 1986 and July 1990 in connection with two council contracts.

Property developer Gholam Ghiassi, chairman of Tustin Developments also denies two charges of corruption involving the alleged giving of gifts and advantages in relation to two council contracts.

The council contracts were for a residential development in Swansea Street, Preston in September 1985 and the refurbishment of properties in Samuel Street, Preston, in October 1986.

The trial is the result of a three-year investigation - known as Operation Angel- by the Lancashire Fraud Squad into allegedly corrupt dealings involved Preston council contracts.

A total of 42 witnesses are expected to be called over the coming eight weeks.