S. Yorks man in racehorse fixing trial

A COURT hearing has taken place to select a jury which will hear the trial of a South Yorkshire man who is part of a group - including champion jockey Kieron Fallon - accused of fixing horse races.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Sep 2007, 16:18 BST

Updated 27th Sep 2007, 08:51 BST

Former syndicate director Miles Rodgers, 38, of Ben Bank Road, Silkstone Common, Barnsley, is one of a total of six defendants in the case, which involves a suspected two-year fraud aimed at punters of internet betting firm Betfair.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud between December 2002 and September 2004.

Rodgers is also charged with concealing criminal property between February 2003 and September 2004.

A hearing took place at the Old Bailey in London yesterday, where 100 potential jurors were considered. These have been whittled down to a smaller panel of 24 from which the final 12 people will be chosen next Tuesday, when the trial is due to open.

Potential jurors were excluded if they had connections with horseracing, betting, national newspapers or had an account with Betfair.