Ex-bishop who took £180k from Black Country church in sentence wait

Gerald Edmund, aged 76, was facing sentence yesterday after previously admitting one count of fraud, and two counts of theft between July 2010 and February 2011.

He had admitted swindling the cash from the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, where he was a bishop until 2002, and latterly treasurer.

However at the sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, defence barrister Tarlowchan Dubb said his client's basis of plea was 'not acceptable' to the prosecution.

He said a Newton hearing to determine the facts of the case was now needed.

Mr Dubb added he may call witnesses for the hearing including one of Edmund's family members.

He said: "They are not going to be asked anything in relation to where the money went but whether they ascertained a significant change in Edmund's lifestyle as a result of those offences."

Judge Sylvia De Bertodano told Edmund, of Lansdown Road, Bristol: "You've pleaded guilty on a basis but the prosecution don't accept that so there will be a hearing on that matter that takes place on November 22."

Edmund, who is on unconditional bail, will appear back at the crown court on that date.

At a previous hearing the court heard that Edmund had swindled the cash over an eight-month period.

The church is a registered charity which has a convention centre based in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of fraud by false representation when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Edmund was prosecuted following a lengthy investigation by West Midland Police's Economic Crime Unit. The Charity Commission is carrying out an investigation.

According to the watchdog's website the church has an income of £1.17million and charitable spending at £1.35m.

The Bethel convention centre has an auditorium with seating for 2,500 people as well as a chapel and baptism pool. It is described as one of the leading event venues in Birmingham, by a church website.