A POOLE councillor and qualified barrister has appeared before magistrates accused of benefit fraud.

Daniel Martin, Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Broadstone, pleaded not guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates Court yesterday to a charge of failing to declare the extent of his capital on a Jobseeker’s Allowance claim form.

The court heard Martin, of Kingcup Close, Broadstone, indicated he had no savings on a JSA1 form back in June 2006, when he is alleged to have had savings above the permitted amount of £8,000.

The Department of Work and Pensions is pursuing the prosecution regarding a total overpayment of £3012.84 The alleged offence occurred before he was elected to the council in May 2007.

Dressed in a smart pinstripe suit, Martin, 31, spoke only to confirm his name and address and to enter a plea.

Martin elected for trial at crown court. He is due to reappear at Bournemouth Magistrates Court for committal on December 5.

According to his page on the Borough of Poole website, Martin grew up in Broadstone and served in the Royal Naval Reserves before qualifying as a barrister in 2006.

He is a member of a number of council bodies, including three scrutiny committees.