A leading member of the Ulster Unionist Party who recently resigned was charged yesterday with stealing cheques worth over £20,000 from the government's small business agency, LEDU.
Mr Thomas Gribben (57), from Hampton Road, Dromore, Co Down, had been employed as LEDU's assistant accountant in Belfast. He was a member of Banbridge council and the executive of the Ulster Unionist Party but resigned the positions earlier this month.
Mr Gribben appeared in the dock at Belfast Magistrates Court to face two charges that in 1998 he stole two cheques for £12,500 and £10,000 belonging to LEDU's acument account. He was also charged with forging both cheques which were made payable to E.F. Gribben.
He was granted legal aid and remanded on continuing bail until May 22nd.