Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote denies fraud charges

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-24066984

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Newcastle United footballer Cheick Tiote has appeared in court to deny charges including using a false identity document and fraud.

The midfielder, 27, was stopped by police on 12 February near the club's training ground on suspicion of fraud in relation to driving offences.

The Ivory Coast star is accused of using a fake Belgian driving licence in a bid to obtain a UK licence.

He was granted bail and will be tried at Newcastle Crown Court on 28 October.

Mr Tiote, who lives in Jesmond, Newcastle, faces charges of fraud by false representation, possessing a false ID document and making a false statement to obtain insurance in September 2011.

Born in the Ivory Coast, he moved to Belgian club Anderlecht in 2005 and then played for Dutch side FC Twente before signing for Newcastle in 2010.