Club owner to face trial over alleged financial offences (From Your Local Guardian)

Club owner to face trial over alleged financial offences

1:06pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Richmond By Martin George

A nightclub owner has been bailed after appearing in court charged with 11 financial offences.

Franco Lumba, who runs Thames-side club Essence near Kingston Bridge, was accused of money laundering, cheating the public revenue and nine offences relating to mortgage fraud.

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 13, the 44-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Wearing blue jeans and a navy-blue jumper with blue and white strips over a white collared shirt, Mr Lumba was not asked to enter a plea.

He was bailed to return at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, April 24, with two conditions attached.

He was told to continue living in his house in St Margarets Road, Twickenham, and notify the police and Crown Prosecution Service of any changes to his residence, and tell them if he has any intentions of travelling abroad.

He was also ordered not to contact five named prosecution witnesses in the case.

Police first arrested Mr Lumba in June 2011, and his lawyer, who refused to give his name, said he had complied with all bail conditions set by police since then.