A Sutton businessman has appeared in court in connection with an alleged £1m fraud involving retailer JJB Sports.

David Ball, 51, of Wilbury Avenue, Sutton, whose company Fashion and Sport Ltd was a supplier to JJB, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday (April 4) facing three charges of furnishing false information.

He appeared alongside Christopher Ronnie, 50, who was the chief executive of JJB between August 2007 and March 2009.

He has been charged with three counts of fraud, two money-laundering offences and two counts of furnishing false information.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said the charges related to a case referred to it by the Office of Fair Trading in August 2009.

It involves an alleged £1 million fraud relating to contracts entered into by JJB Sports plc (JJB) in 2008.

In 2009 SFO announced it was investigating the activities of JJB and rival clothing chain Sports Direct International (SDI) in respect of potential offences.

It concluded its investigation into JJB and SDI saying no charges would be brought against the companies, but the investigation into individuals would continue.

The spokesman said investigations into possible offences committed by other suspects were ongoing.

Mr Ball and Mr Ronnie were both given bail and will next appear at the court on June 27.