A businessman and his secretary have been charged with two mortgage frauds totalling £1 million

Carl Hughes and Gaynor Grundy are each accused of making or supplying false documents obtained via the internet.

It is further alleged that false payslips and P60 tax certificates in the name of Kerry Hughes were used to support two £500,000 mortgage applications.

Hughes, aged 44, of Pool Lane, Brocton, Stafford and Grundy, aged 64, of Longmeadow Drive, Dudley appeared before magistrates at Cannock facing four charges of making or supplying false articles for fraud and two of fraud by false representation.

Neither gave an indication of plea to the charges, which date to a period between March and November 2009.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction and directed the case should be heard at Stafford Crown Court. Both defendants were remanded on bail until February 9.