THE trial of fraud accused Inverclyde landlord Rajinder Samrai was yesterday adjourned without any evidence being heard.

A motion by defence counsel Gordon Jackson QC for further time to prepare for the case – which was originally due to get under way a year ago – was granted.

Kilmacolm-based Samrai is facing 13 charges involving allegations of housing benefit and cheque fraud which are said to total more than £25,000. 

Lawyer Mr Jackson has requested further documentation from Inverclyde Council, in addition to some 20,000 pages of evidence which have been disclosed by the Crown.

An attempt by Samrai’s legal team on Monday to gag the Greenock Telegraph from reporting the expected five-day trial on a daily basis was thrown out.

Sheriff Iain Fleming has adjourned the case until October 4.