Snooker player Stephen Lee has been charged with fraud, just days before the second part of his appeal against his 12-year ban from the sport is due to be heard.

Police have confirmed that Lee, 39, of Birch Gardens, Hilperton, Trowbridge, was charged on suspicion of fraud yesterday.

He has been bailed to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court on May 28.

Lee was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) last September, after the body found him guilty of seven charges of match-fixing dating back to 2008 and 2009.

Lee, who denies committing any offence, lost the first stage of his appeal against the snooker ban in February.

The second part of the appeal is due to take place on Monday.