A SOLICITOR has been charged with a massive property fraud worth more than £650,000.

Jason Cornelius, from St Andrew's Close, Mayals, Swansea, faces 16 charges under the Fraud Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

No formal pleas were entered when the 36-year-old's case came before Bridgend magistrates, but it was indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered at his next court appearance.

It is alleged that Cornelius, who used to work for the Swansea- based solicitors W Parry and Co, gave false or misleading statements in relation to mortgages on eight properties in Neath and Swansea — houses in Golwg y Bryn, Seven Sisters, Dan y Graig Road, Neath, Tanydarren, Pontardawe, Bryn Awel, Cimla, Pendrill Street, Neath, two houses on Giant's Grave Road, Briton Ferry, and one in Gomer Gardens, Townhill.

The total amount of money involved comes to some £658,000.

Cornelius left the Swansea law firm in June 2009. He was released on bail, and will appear again before magistrates on August 11, when the case will be committed for trial.