SPECIALIST fraud lawyers are now handling the money laundering and other charges against York businessman Paul Blanchard and others.

Local prosecutors handed over their files to the newly-formed national fraud prosecution service because the case is so complex.

The announcement was made as a fourth man appeared before York magistrates. Eric Christopher Jackson, 59, of York Road, Barlby, denies alternative charges of theft and deception. He is alleged to have cheated a couple who run their own business out of £12,500 by claiming that he would invest it in a property in Spain that would give a 20 per cent profit in a few weeks.

After hearing that his case is linked to that of Blanchard, 51, of St Oswald's Court, Fulford, magistrates adjourned Jackson's case until November 17, when Blanchard, Christopher Francis Eyre, 52, of Doncaster Road, Selby, and Simon James Eldritch, 31, of Grosvenor Terrace, Clifton, are due to appear before York magistrates for committal accused of £4.3 million money laundering and other charges.

Magistrates decided that Jackson's case should also be committed to the crown court for trial.

Miles Barker, of the fraud prosecution service, warned the change of prosecutor may mean that the committal will be delayed. The fraud prosecution service is a national squad of lawyers within the Crown Prosecution Service specialising in financial cases.