Morris ‘hid gold in Swiss bank’

FORMER Leeds United director Simon Morris hid millions of pounds and gold bars away from creditors in Swiss bank accounts as he was made bankrupt, a court was told.

Morris faces prosecution under the Insolvency Act over more than £1m of assets including cash and gold bullion he allegedly hid when his property business collapsed in 2009.

It is alleged that he failed to declare his estate to the official receiver between 2009 and 2010.

Lorraine Harris, prosecuting on behalf of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, told Newcastle Magistrates Court yesterday how Mr Morris came under increasing financial pressure when the Bank of Ireland began to reconsider loans it had made.

This followed a BBC Panorama documentary about him in 2008.

Ms Harris said Morris, who gave his address as Wetherby Road, Bardsey, sold properties and moved cash and gold bullion to Credit Suisse bank accounts.

No pleas were entered and Morris was granted unconditional bail. A further hearing will take place next month.