AN alleged fraudster charged with duping Waverley Borough Council out of thousands of pounds has had his case committed to the crown court.

Matthew Lowe, 30, was due to appear before Sandwell Magistrates Court last Thursday on two counts of fraud by false representation.

However, magistrates have referred the case to Wolverhampton Crown Court which typically deals with more serious criminal cases.

Mr Lowe’s hearing is set to take place on Thursday, March 24, and he has been released on bail.

It comes after Waverley staff were duped into paying more than £200,000 taxpayer’s money into a fraudulent account intended for its repairs contractor Mears in spring 2014.