FOUR more people have been charged with fraud offences following an 'extensive' murder investigation spanning five years.

Thames Valley Police has been investigating the death of James Sootheran, 59, who was known by his middle name Anthony.

He was found dead at his home in South Newington, between Banbury and Chipping Norton, on March 18, 2014.

The post mortem found that Mr Sootheran died from pneumonia, which was caused by malnourishment.

READ AGAIN: Banbury pair charged with murder after malnourishment death

Today four people appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ in connection with the investigation:

- June Alsford, aged 76, of Little Lane in Aynho, has been charged with one count of fraud by false representation, and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

- Shanda Robinson, aged 49, of Sage Road, Banbury, has been charged with one count of fraud by false representation, and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

- Michael Dunkley, aged 47, of Brickle Lane, Bloxham, has been charged with one count of fraud by false representation.

- Denise Neal, aged 39, of Radway Road, Lower Tysoe, Warwickshire, has been charged with one count of fraud by false representation.

They are all due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on April 23.

Last week two other suspects were charged in relation to the same investigation:

ALSO READ: Murder accused given trial date

- Lynda Rickard, aged 60, of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of manslaughter, four counts of fraud by false representation, one count of fraud by abuse of position, two counts of making a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine, two counts of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, and one count of possess/control article for use in fraud.

- Wayne Rickard, aged 64, of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of causing/allowing the death of a vulnerable adult, one count of fraud by false representation, and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

The pair appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday and are scheduled to appear at Oxford Crown Court on June 28.