Man admits passing off fake art

Shaun Greenhalgh (top) pleaded guilty to the charges

A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to defrauding art galleries and dealers by passing off fake artworks as genuine.

Shaun Greenhalgh, from Bolton, admitted conspiring to defraud institutions for more than 15 years in an appearance at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday.

He also admitted a charge of conspiracy to conceal and transfer £410,393, the proceeds of the sale of a statuette known as the "Amarna Princess".

Greenhalgh was given unconditional bail and will appear again on 7 September.

Greenhalgh appeared along with his mother Olive, 82, his brother George junior, 52, and his father, George senior, 83.

George Greenhalgh snr and Olive Greenhalgh were charged with conspiracy to defraud and did not enter a plea.

George junior, who is accused of acquiring criminal property, also did not enter a plea.

Judge William Morris told Shaun Greenhalgh he will be sentenced when the case of his parents and brother has been concluded.

A provisional trial date for the other three defendants was set for 4 February 2008.

All four defendants, of The Crescent, Bromley Cross, Bolton, were given unconditional bail and will appear at Bolton Crown Court on 7 September.