A MAN accused of stealing about £81,000 over a two year period is to face trial by judge and jury.

Nigel Lelliott pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

It is alleged that the 47-year-old stole the cash between the start of 2009 and the end of 2010.

Judge Euan Ambrose adjourned the case for a trial to be held on Monday, May 20.

He released Lelliott, of Reddings House, Twickenham Close, Nythe, on conditional bail until then.