A FORMER events manager at a university students' union appeared before magistrates today charged with stealing more than £16,000.
Vaughan Smith, the 42-year-old former marketing and events manager at Durham University's students' union, is alleged to have stolen the money over an 18-month period.
Mr Smith was responsible for booking bands and DJs to perform at Dunelm House - Durham Student's Union live music venue, in New Elvet.
The venue's flagship Fonteyn Ballroom is the biggest single music venue in Durham City, with a capacity of 750.
Claire Madden, prosecuting, said it was alleged Mr Smith had stolen cash belonging to the students' union to the value of £10,260 between June 2006 and April 2007.
He is charged further with stealing £3,500 on or before May 12, 2007 and a further £3,078 on or before April 21, 2007.
Consett magistrates decided the matter was not suitable for summary trial and the hearing was adjourned to March 25 for committal papers to be served for a hearing in the crown court.
Mr Smith, of Laburnum Terrace, North Shields, was granted unconditional bail.
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