Former property magnate and director of Leeds United Simon Morris has appeared at Leeds magistrates court charged with conspiracy to blackmail a man over a £100,000 debt.
Mr Morris, 32, who is jointly accused with Jonathan Ashworth, 49, from Hyde, Cheshire, was charged after a long investigation by West Yorkshire police into the demise of Mr Morris’ business.
He was declared bankrupt a year after his business empire, SRM Holdings Group, collapsed with debts of around £50 million.
His co-accused is also charged with possession of a firearm and possession of an offensive weapon but did not appear in court due to illness.