A MAN is to stand trial accused of defrauding a Belfast church out of nearly £80,000, a judge ruled yesterday.
David Goodwin allegedly created false invoices, credit notes and bills while he was supposed to be safeguarding the Christian Fellowship Church's financial interests.
The 43-year-old is also accused of setting up fake internal arrangements to transfer £78,056.32 in funds into his own accounts.
Goodwin, of Holland Park in the city, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court to face a charge of fraud by abuse of position.
He allegedly carried out the scam between March 2014 and May 2016.
During a preliminary enquiry hearing he nodded to confirm that he understood the charge against him.
A defence lawyer did not contest prosecution submissions that Goodwin has a case to answer.
The accused declined to call witnesses or give evidence at this stage in proceedings.
Deputy District Judge Browne ordered him to be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed.
Goodwin was released on £250 continuing bail, with conditions said to include the retention of his passport.
