A SOLICITOR accused of stealing over £19,000 from clients has denied all of the charges against him.

Nathan Horsley, entered not guilty pleas to 17 counts of theft, when he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old, of Ashfield Close, Hartlepool, will go on trial on October 2, but must also attend a pre-trial hearing in Newcastle on June 26.

He is said to have committed the offences between October 6, 2011, and August 2, 2013 and the amounts stolen range from £250 up to £2,600 over the two year period.

Judge Robert Spragg said: “You have pleaded not guilty to these matters and there will need to be a trial.

“You must attend court and if you do not you will be committing a separate offence.”

Mr Horsley was arrested by police on suspicion of fraud by false representation on November 12, 2013 and since charged with the thefts.

At the time he had been employed by the Sunderland-based law firm Hedleys and Co but no longer works for the company.

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

An independent Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal has been adjourned until after the outcome of the trial in October.

Mr Horsley was granted unconditional bail until his next court date in summer.