A WEST Dorset man has gone on trial accused of taking part in fraud at the disaster relief charity Shelterbox.

Darren Gervis, aged 42 from Beaminster, is one of three facing charges at the Old Bailey. It is alleged that he was recruited by the charity's CEO Thomas Henderson to create sham or front companies to mask fraud.

The court heard that Henderson awarded supply contracts to his son John Henderson with the help of Gervis.

Prosecutor Walton Hornsby said: "The allegation is that Thomas Henderson authorised large supply contracts for his son John.

"When these were questioned by the management and ultimately by the trustees of ShelterBox, John Henderson recruited Darren Gervis to create sham or front companies to mask John Henderson's involvement."

Mr Hornsby told the jury "everything possible was done" to make sure John Henderson continued to benefit from the contracts.

"Whatever objections there would be from other employees and ultimately the trustees of ShelterBox, Thomas Henderson maintained John Henderson in that position, he gained significantly financially," he added.

"Darren Gervis also gained financially, much less significantly, for his part in ensuring John Henderson would remain as one of the principal suppliers of the charity."

John Henderson was allegedly handed an upfront payment of £263,200 in advance of a £534,000 contract to provide wood-burning stoves to the charity in 2008.

There was a 60 per cent mark-up between what he paid for materials and what he charged ShelterBox, the court was told.

The stoves were not supplied until five or six months after the original payment was made, jurors heard.

"Darren Gervis was effectively being manipulated by Henderson with a view to concealing the fact that John Henderson was in fact supplying ShelterBox," Mr Hornsby added.

The trial continues.