iSoft trial set to get under way

THE trial of four former directors of iSOFT, the one-time high-flying Manchester software group, is beginning in London this week.

Founder Patrick Cryne, 58, of Glossop – the owner of Barnsley Football Club, former chief executive Tim Whiston of Lymm, Stephen Graham of Knutsford, the group’s former chief operating officer and ex finance direcrtor John Whelan from Stockport, are appearing at Southwark Crown Court.

The jury is not expected to be sworn in until later this week, with the opening from the propsecution likely on Friday or next Monday.

The four are accused of conspiring to make misleading statements about iSoft to the stock market.

The Financial Services Authority alleges they misled the Stock Market and external auditors about the firm’s financial position in relation to a contract with Irish Hospital Information Systems in 2005.

The company, which now has its UK base in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is a key supplier to the NHS, and is now part of US software giant CSC.