A SENIOR Hampshire politician has appeared in court after being charged with fraudulently receiving £32,000 in benefits.

Tory councillor George Ringrow appeared in Fareham Magistrates Court yesterday accused of two counts relating to dishonestly failing to notify authorities of changes of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits.

The Hampshire County Council representative for Fareham Town ward spoke only to confirm his name and address as he stood in the dock wearing a black coat, over a light coloured shirt and blue tie.

The, 67-year-old, of Paxton Road, Fareham, is accused of failing to notify changes of circumstances surrounding pension credits he allegedly received between May 11, 2009, and April 1 of last year when he was allegedly also receiving an occupational pension.

The case was adjourned to Portsmouth Crown Court on March 7 when he is expected to enter a plea.

Ringrow has been suspended from the county council's ruling Conservative group pending the outcome of the case.

But the politician - who received unconditional bail - will continue his role serving as a county councillor.

Ringrow was elected in May 2013 gaining 2,686 votes, 16.18 per cent of the turnout. He has served on a number of committees including a deputy role on the economy, transport and environment select committee.

He is a member of the audit committee, the River Hamble harbour management committee and the health and adult social care select committee.

He has served as deputy of Fareham Park Partnership, chairman of Southern Hampshire Road Safety Council and is a member of community action Fareham and Tourism South East.

Conservative group secretary Cllr Chris Carter said: "We are aware that county councillor George Ringrow is facing court proceedings. I can confirm that he's been suspended from our Conservative group pending the outcome of the crown court proceedings. Until those proceedings are concluded it would not be appropriate to comment any further on this matter."

Ringrow's day job is regional facilities and fleet manager South East of the St John Ambulance charity, where he was previously a chief executive officer.

The former company managing director is a qualified mechanical engineer spending many years in the North East of England.

He moved to Hampshire in 2005 and is a senior congregation member of Holy Trinity Church Fareham and a member of the Diocesan Synod.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said: “We are aware that Councillor George Ringrow is facing court proceedings. Until those proceedings are concluded, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on this matter.”