FOUR people have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in relation to the Newport-based charity Life Music Foundation.

It is understood the four people charged are Daniel O’Connell and Clayton Richards (who founded the charity) along with Nikki O’Connell and Gareth Williams.

The charity, which was set up in 2010, works to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through music.

The Argus reported how businessman and chairman of the charity Mr O’Connell set up the Life Music Foundation to help young people, with no financial means, to access instruments and receive music tuition.

Last year former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas became patron of the charity. The star held a dinner at the Celtic Manor Resort to help raise funds for the charity which was attended by musicians, rugby legends and television stars as well as Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke.

A Gwent police spokeswoman said four people had been charged and are now due to appear at Newport magistrates’ court on November 26.