A SOLICITOR from Edgware appeared in court today with five others accused of playing a part in a £50m mortgage fraud.

Simon Lawrence, 48, a former senior partner at Darlingtons Solicitors, is charged with conspiracy to obtain money transfer by deception.

He was arrested in December along with five other men after the Cheshire Building Society complained to West Midlands Police mortgages had been secured against six properties had not been repaid.

All six appeared at Southwark Crown Court today and were granted bail to appear again on March 1 for a plea and case management hearing.