Policeman denies lying at Fallon trial

A policeman today denied telling a "barefaced lie" to the Kieren Fallon race-fixing trial at the Old Bailey.

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Manning said he could not remember having a conversation with an officer from Yorkshire about his witness statement.

Peter Kelson, QC, for Sheffield businessman Miles Rodgers, pointed out similarities in the statement and in the City of London detective's notebook.

He put it to Mr Manning: "That is a barefaced lie."

Mr Manning said the entries were based on the same facts and similarities were bound to occur.

He added: "I do not recall the conversation."

It is alleged the defendants plotted to get 27 horses to lose so Rodgers' betting syndicate could win money, defrauding Betfair and other punters between December 2002 and September 2004.

Jockeys Fallon (aged 42) formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Fergal Lynch (aged 29), of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, and Darren Williams (aged 29), of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, deny the charges.

Shaun Lynch (aged 38), of Belfast, Rodgers (aged 38), of Silkstone, South Yorkshire, and Philip Sherkle (aged 42), of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.

Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.

The trial was adjourned to tomorrow.