Man U Boss Conned Out Of £7m By Bogus Dealer

A BOGUS bond dealer swindled former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards out of more than £7million, a court heard yesterday.

Glasgow-born Michael Brown used some of the money to make a record £2.3million donation to the Lib Dems, it is claimed.

Much of the rest of the cash was allegedly used to fund a "life of luxury" and create the impression of a respectable business.

In just a few months, the court was told, he spent most of the £7,937,000 he is accused of stealing from Edwards and others.

To "create the illusion of a wealthy and influential man", he rented a £49,000- a-year flat in London's Mayfair and a £57,000-ayear office near Hyde Park, the city's Southwark Crown Court was told.