David Hetherington smiled for the camera as he appeared in court accused of stealing cash from a vulnerable woman. The 34-year-old allegedly took £182.55 from the woman after she trusted him with her bank card.
Court appearance and plea
The alleged theft took place in West Wylam on June 29 this year. Hetherington, of Biverfield Road, in Prudhoe, appeared in the dock this week to plead not guilty to one count of theft.
Jade Houston, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said: "The injured party has [allegedly] given the defendant her bank card to get shopping for her. It's alleged he went and took cash out for himself."
Defence and trial date
Neil Connell, defending, told the court: "He says he got the money out to buy items for her. Her denies taking the money for himself."
Adjourning the case for trial, District Judge Paul Currer said: "You have pleaded not guilty to an allegation of stealing by saying you were not being dishonest and you had permission to take the money out. That's the issue a trial will determine.
"Your trial will be on January 25 at 10am back at this court. You must attend. If you fail to do so, you potentially commit an offence under the Bail Act."
In the meantime, District Judge Currer released Hetherington on unconditional bail.
