A former Charlton Athletic legend is being investigated over £3.5 million of missing funds.

Richard Rufus, 40, from Lewisham, voted Charlton's best ever defender in 2005, is facing an investigation over allegations of misappropriating investors' funds.

Now a financial consultant and a born again Christian, Mr Rufus has been given a 'last chance' to file evidence to show why he should not have tough restrictions placed on his business dealings.

He was discharged from bankruptcy last October, but deputy official receiver Paul Warner is seeking an order to limit his ability to act as a manager or director of a limited company for 15 years.

The order would also impose credit restrictions on him.

Appearing at High Court yesterday (May 20) Mr Rufus asked official Registrar Briggs for extra time to produce evidence.

Registrar Briggs questioned Mr Rufus over whether he had accepted deposits of money from third parties between May 2007 to February 2011 "without being authorised, in breach of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000."

Mr Rufus replied: "I cannot comment on that."

Registrar Briggs then asked: "Did you take £3.5 million of other people's money for your own benefit?"

He added: "Did you use money taken from other people for deposits for your own benefit?"

Mr Rufus said: "I cannot comment on that, as I said to you. I need the full evidence so words won't be taken out of context."

Registrar Briggs told him he would be given until 4.30pm on June 3 to file and serve his evidence, warning him: "This is your last chance."