THE former director of a failing company allegedly removed nearly £80,000 from company accounts just weeks before it was declared bankrupt.

Simon Taylor, 42, of Darenth Road, Leigh, is accused of removing the cash from recruitment company Drummond Selection, in 2011.

Taylor, the sole director of the firm, appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court yesterday, charged with four counts under the insolvency act.

He is accused of removing property before a company was wound up, failing to deliver property to a liquidator and making an omission in a statement of company affairs.

It is alleged Taylor removed £39,792 from the company account between February 27 and April 6 as well as £37,572 from the company account between April 4 and May 25, 2011.

Magistrates heard Drummond Selection was declared bankrupt and ordered to wind up by court on May 18, 2011. Taylor is also charged with failing to deliver property to the liquidator and allegedly failed to disclose that the company had paid a deposit of £10,200 for a Range Rover.

Prosecuting, Mr Mills said: “This was a fraudulent venture to move money out of the accounts and out of the reach of creditors.

“Money would come in and almost be removed the day after.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Basildon Crown Court.

Indicating no plea, Taylor appeared before magistrates wearing a grey suit and white shirt, speaking only to confirm his name and address.

He was granted unconditional bail.

He will next appear before Basildon Crown Court in the week commencing February 23, 2015.