A BUSINESSMAN behind a failed deal to buy Carlisle Lake District Airport has appeared in court in the Isle of Man over fraud allegations connected to the proposals.

Twenty-eight-year-old Jason Gerard Scales of Douglas Road in Ballasalla appeared before Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks at Douglas Courthouse.

He’s charged with one count of making a false representation and two of supplying articles for use in fraud.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the hearing that between April and June last year Mr Scales falsely claimed the Manx government would underwrite a £13million loan for his company.

That business, Ettyl Limited, tried to buy Carlisle Lake District Airport for more than £15million in April 2021 – however the deal collapsed just weeks later after proposed financing fell through.

Mr Robinson said Mr Scales also had a faked letter of support from the Manx government’s Department for Enterprise as well as a fake indemnity purporting to be from the head of the island’s civil service.

Defence advocate Jim Travers said his client intended to defend the case to its fullest, but no pleas to any of the charges have been entered yet.

Mr Scales was granted bail in the sum of £2,500 with conditions he doesn't attempt to contact witnesses or leave the Isle of Man without permission.

He also agreed to surrender his passport and pledged not to apply for travel documents.

No decision on whether the case should be heard in the summary court or the Manx Court of General Gaol Delivery has yet been made, and the case was adjourned until November 15.

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