A BUSINESSMAN who forged his ex-partner's signature on a mortgage application form lost an appeal against a £1,000 fine when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

Kevin Rubery, 47, pleaded guilty to falsifying a document on a property they both owned in Yielding Tree, Clent.

After they split up he needed the extra money from Barclays Bank before the house they bought for £200,000 in 2000 was sold for £440,000 last year, said Gareth Walters, defending.

He had already taken out a £5,000 loan and borrowed £8,000 from his brother.

Rubery needed two signatures for the mortgage but there was "considerable animosity" following the break-up, he added.

Mr Walters went on: "He didn't intend anyone to lose out by what he did but accepts it was completely wrong."

Rubery had been under financial pressures after his business venture failed to do well. He claimed the fine was too harsh.

Wendy Miller, for the Crown, said Rubery's former partner left the house for rented accommodation while he stayed on.

After receiving a letter from the bank, she realised the defendant had forged her signature.

Rubery, who had no previous convictions and now lives in Grosvenor Way, Caledonian estate, Quarry Bank, gave police a "no comment" interview.

Recorder James Burbidge QC told him he had falsified a legal document for his own advantage instead of going to the bank and explaining his situation.

He said Kidderminster magistrates had not made a mistake by giving him the high fine.

He dismissed the appeal and ordered Rubery to pay an extra £135 court costs.