Former Minister Nelson Bascome yesterday appeared in court to face a charge of corruption in a position of public office.

In a brief hearing at Magistrates’ Court, Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told Bascome a preliminary inquiry into the case would take place on Monday and Tuesday, September 17 and 18.

The charge alleges that Pembroke East Central MP Bascome, 51, secured public housing for business associate Robert Smith during his spell as Minister with responsibility for housing between November 1998 and December 1999.

It claims that, during his period as Health and Family Services Minister, Bascome corruptly obtained a business opportunity and provided the home for Mr. Smith, who was the inventor of a water filtration system.

Bascome has not yet entered a plea against the charge, which will be dealt with in Supreme Court.

He also faces two charges of theft, in which he is accused of stealing more than $75,000 through business dealings.

He denied the allegations in another court hearing two weeks ago and stands trial at Magistrates’ Court on September 19.

Yesterday, following a request from Bascome’s lawyer Victoria Pearman, a date was set — Wednesday, July 4 — for a preliminary report ahead of his trial on the theft charges.

Bascome’s $1,000 bail was extended by Mr. Warner.