Top Isle of Man officials face fraud and perjury charges

The island's attorney general Stephen Harding faces a perjury charge, three counts of forgery and one count of committing an act against public justice.

He also shares a further charge of conspiracy against public justice with the island's deputy assessor of income tax Colin Goodwin, who has two more public justice charges against him.

The charges stem from a note about a phone call between Mr Harding and advocate Jerry Carter in 2010, which Mr Carter has said never took place.

Mr Harding and Mr Goodwin are accused of trying to deceive the advocates disciplinary tribunal.

The pair spoke only to confirm their name, age and address in Douglas courthouse on the island.

They were bailed to appear again at the same court on November 21 on the condition that they don't discuss the case with any of the witnesses.

A Manx government spokesman said the prosecution was being led by English counsel.

"The Criminal Prosecutions Division within the attorney general's chambers has had no involvement whatsoever with this investigation and consequent prosecution."

The spokesman said both Mr Harding and Mr Goodwin had been suspended.

"As court proceedings are now under way it would be inappropriate to make any further comment," he added.

tonyp@peoples-press.com