ALLEGED airline fraudster Fernando de Carvalho was at court to face multiple charges yesterday, but was refused legal aid to fight them.

The Crown amended the charges against de Carvalho after a summons was posted to him under the wrong name and date of birth.

The 30-year-old, of Barrington Street, Tiverton, said there had been confusion when he gave details to the police when he was stopped as a teenager.

“When I was 18 years old I was stopped by the police and stupidly I gave my name as Jeferson,” he said.

“The letter came to my house in that name and with the wrong date of birth. I have brought my passport with me and I told my solicitors the charge needed to be amended.”

de Carvalho faces a total of five charges, including four of fraud by taking money in return for airline tickets and accommodation which were fraudulent, and one of concealing sums of money that were criminal property.

The charges relate to families in and around Swindon, who believed de Carvalho could provide them with cheap flights.

Mike Poulsford, defending, said changes to the Legal Aid system were causing difficulties, and asked for the case to be adjourned.

“I represent Mr Carvalho as an agent for solicitors based in Exeter,” he said.

“We have had a letter received from the solicitors saying that the Legal Aid form and application has been rejected, and that he needs to present further financial information.

“We are aware the Legal Aid process has changed at the beginning of this month and applications are now made online. If posted they are dealt with internally within seven days, and the local court here does not deal with Legal Aid administration.

“These are issues of fraud that the Crown say will not be suitable, and there will be an issue in view of plea. In the interests of justice this is a case where an adjournment should be granted.

“This is the first time I have stood here to apply for an adjournment for this reason.”

Nick Barr, prosecuting, said the court had a duty to try to progress the case.

“The offences date from 2013 and into last year, and this starts life by way of a summons dated February 5 by first class post,” he said.

“I appreciate what my friend says about Legal Aid, but we have a situation where I do not know what steps have been taken to instruct solictors. Since receiving the summons he knew he would be standing here today.”

The chairman of the bench told de Carvalho: “I would urge you to get your solicitors in here at the next hearing because we will be moving things forward in two weeks' time.”

He was given unconditional bail to reappear at court on March 24