FORMER mayor of St Helens John Beirne who is charged with putting himself forward as a candidate for a local government election while disqualified will appear in court again next week.

Beirne, 58, appeared at Bolton Crown Court today to be sentenced (Friday, February 28).

Beirne previously appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court in January and pleaded guilty to attempting to stand as a candidate in last May's local elections in Wigan while being disqualified because he had a previous conviction.

Beirne, of School Way, Pemberton, Wigan had also pleaded guilty to changing his name without notifying authorities, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

Following legal discussions in court, the case has been adjourned until Thursday, March 5.

Beirne was granted bail until then.