THE former steward of a workingmen’s club is to contest an allegation that he stole a large sum of money from the premises.

Gary Powell is accused of taking about £3,500, which is said to have gone missing from the safe at the now closed Relton Terrace Workmen’s Club, in Chester-le-Street.

It arose from a suspected burglary at the premises, in Red Rose Terrace, off Ropery Lane, which was reported to police by Mr Powell, last summer.

Inquiries into the suspected break-in resulted in Mr Powell being arrested and interviewed over the missing money.

He was subsequently charged with theft of cash by an employee, to a value unknown, on dates between June 12 and 15, 2014.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing in the case, his barrister, Tony Davis, said the defendant had elected trial and would definitely be contesting the matter.

Mr Davis said it would be a two-day hearing and a start date of June 22 was agreed with prosecuting counsel Dan Cordey.

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned proceedings and bailed 47-year-old Mr Powell, of Briarwood Avenue, Pelton Fell , near Chester-le-Street, to return for a plea and case management hearing, at the court, on May 26.