GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S former Chief Fire Officer Stewart Edgar has pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud in connection with the sale of a fire service Land Rover.

The 52-year-old stepped down from his role as head of the county fire service in July 2018 after an investigation into the alleged sale of a Land Rover Discovery for £500 after the vehicle valued at £8,000 was put up for auction.

Edgar, now living in Braehead Drive, Carnoustie, Angus, in Scotland, denied a charge of fraud by abuse of position at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court when he appeared on Tuesday, March 10.

He spoke only to enter his plea denying the charge and confirmed his name and address.

Chairman of the bench Sue Fuller bailed Edgar to appear again at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, April 9.

The charge, which was delivered by post to his home address in February, follows consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service after an investigation by Gloucestershire Police into the sale of the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Land Rover.