A FORMER senior official has appeared in court, accused of fraud and lying about his qualifications to obtain his job. Maximilian Manin, who was chief executive of the diocese of Lincoln for eight years, appeared at Lincolnshire Magistrates' Court on 16 April. He is alleged to have falsely claimed a first-class honours degree in English Literature and the History of Art from Sheffield University to gain his £45,000-a-year post.

Last year, Lincolnshire Police announced that they were making inquiries, after receiving information from the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, that came to light after Mr Manin relinquished his post last May.

Mr Manin has since been charged with obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception between 1 April 2004 and 1 June 2012. He also faces three further charges: two of fraud by false representation, and one of fraud by abuse of position.

Mr Manin, aged 54, of Oakbank Crescent, Perth, was granted unconditional bail, and is due to return to court on 11 June.