A FORMER head of finance at Enfield Council has been accused of stealing nearly £500,000 of taxpayers money.

John Jossa, 58, appeared at City of London Magistrates on Tuesday charged with fraud by false representation and obtaining property by deception.

Mr Jossa, who is father to EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa who plays Lauren Branning in the BBC soap, denies the charges against him.

He retired from his role as head of finance at the council in 2009, but is alleged to have stolen the money between 2007 and 2010.

Mr Jossa, who lives in Kent, will return to the central London court for a committal hearing on February 28.

The council, in a statement, said: “We expect the full force of the law to be directed at anyone found guilty of defrauding council taxpayers of money.

“As this matter is subject to legal proceedings we cannot comment further.”