A SOLICITOR has appeared in court on Tuesday accused of stealing over £19,000 from clients he was representing.

Nathan Horsley, who is facing 18 counts of theft, appeared before Sunderland Magistrates’ Court.

The 33-year-old, who gave his address in court as Ashfield Court, Hartlepool, is said to have committed the offences between October 6, 2011, and August 2, 2013.

The amounts stolen range from £250 up to £2,600 over the two year period.

Horsley was arrested by police on suspicion of fraud by false representation on November 12, 2013 after an investigation was launched.

He has since been formally charged with 18 offences of theft.

During the time of the alleged thefts it is understood he had been employed by the Sunderland-based law firm Hedleys and Co.

Sunderland Magistrates’ Court was told that Mr Horsley was indicating that a ‘not guilty’ plea will be entered to all charges he is facing.

Rebecca Laverick, from the Crown Prosecution Service, asked for the case to be transferred to Newcastle Crown Court.

She said: “These matters are too serious to be dealt with at this stage.

“It is a significant breach of trust. He was the solicitor for these clients.”

The court was told there were 18 alleged offences committed against 11 victims.

The value of the alleged theft totals more than £19,000.

Ms Laverick said: “On that basis I would suggest that the sentencing powers of this court would be insufficient.”

No representations have been made on Horsley’s behalf at this stage.

Mr Horsley was granted unconditional bail and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court.

His first appearance at the higher court will be on Tuesday, January 3, in the New Year.

The case has been referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which regulates solicitors in England and Wales.

The authority has confirmed it is prosecuting Horsley at an independent Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal and he faces being struck off if found guilty.

A four day hearing has been listed on February 6 next year.

A spokesman for the SRA said: “We have decided to prosecute at the tribunal because that is what we think is needed, but as yet they are allegations and unproven.”