A MAN has appeared in court charged with stealing nearly £200,000 from his employer in Kidderminster.

Ben Noden, of Church Street, Shipston, formerly of Coronation Way, Kidderminster, appeared before Judge Martin Jackson at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday (August 20). 

Noden appeared at crown court with no legal representation and Judge Jackson adjourned the case for two weeks to allow him the time to provide solicitors with further information, including bank statements.

Noden confirmed to the court that he could provide that information to solicitors.

The plea and trial preparation hearing will now take place on Tuesday, September 3.

The 37-year-old is charged with committing fraud by false representation by forging a signature in order to obtain money. He is also charged with theft by employee by stealing £198,387.15 belonging to Peter Round.

He has yet to enter pleas to these charges, but when he previously appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 23, he admitted a separate charge of stealing cash to the value of £2,640 belonging to Monica Davies.