THE case against a former Tory councillor accused of stealing more than £68,000 was yesterday adjourned for a week.
Charles Graham Smith, 54, of Woodland Road, Darlington, is charged with stealing the money from the NatWest Bank between August 2000 and January 2002. He is also accused of using a forged letter in April 2000.
Neither Mr Smith nor his solicitor attended South Durham Magistrates' Court and a request to adjourn until Tuesday was granted. He is bailed to appear at 10am for committal to the crown court.
Father-of-six Mr Smith is a former restaurant owner and finance director of the Ring-a-Ride charity before it was wound up two years ago. He was granted unconditional bail.
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