ONE of the Liberal Democrat party's biggest donors will face trial later this year in connection with a series of multi-million pound frauds.

Millionaire Michael Brown, 42, is facing a string of allegations relating to obtaining money transfer by deception, transferring criminal property, theft, furnishing false information and perverting the course of justice.

The Glasgow-born businessman, who donated a total of £2.4million to the political party, denied 16 separate charges at Southwark Crown Court yesterday.

The theft charges against the bonds trader relate to his company 5th Avenue Partners Ltd.

The charges of transferring criminal property involve a Spanish bank and HSBC accounts.

He is also alleged to have sent an email to a third party asking them to ensure allegations were withdrawn.

Brown, of Templewood Avenue, Hampstead, London, was granted bail.

A trial date was set for September 8 this year.