A MAN accused of stealing from his ex-girlfriend’s family has denied charges of theft and fraud.

Steven Chesworth, 28, appeared at Durham Crown Court facing two counts of theft from the couple, from Chester-le-Street, in January and February last year.

He is said to have stolen £300 plus three cheques from them, while he is also accused of six counts of fraud, making false representation in attempts to obtain jewellery, loans and a hotel room using other people’s names, for sums totalling £1,650.

Mr Chesworth, of Woodville Street, St Helen’s in Merseyside, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all eight counts during a short hearing today (Thursday April 4).

He arrived at the court on bail, but, following his pleas, Judge Peter Kelson remanded him in custody pending his trial, at the court, on Tuesday May 28.