Former Rochdale solicitor on trial for benefit fraud

A former Rochdale solicitor has gone on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, after being accused of benefit fraud.

Alan Blacker, 46, of Milk Street, Rochdale, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday (10 January), where he was charged with failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in his circumstances and of making a false statement about his physical capacity.

Blacker, who was struck off in 2016, has denied both charges.

Proceeding.