A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with conning money out of a bank.

Romanian Vali Costinal Maria, 32, was also charged with attempting to trick more money out of banks around Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and conning a woman out of £95.

Mr Maria, of Weedon Road, Northampton, is charged with dishonestly obtaining £105 from the Natwest Bank, as well as making an attempt to do the same at the same bank and trying to con £125 from the HSBC.

The three incidents are alleged to have occurred on September 25.

He is also charged with a fourth count, of dishonestly obtaining £90 from Christine Helsdown, of Rushden, Northamptonshire, four days later.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe adjourned the case until November 12, releasing Mr Maria on bail. On that date, the case is expected to be committed to Teesside Crown Court.