AN ACCOUNTANT who is defending himself against a charge that he embezzled hundreds of thousands of pounds from his employer has pleaded not guilty.
Anthony Simpson, 53, is accused of stealing £450,000 from the now defunct Bradford-based conveyancing firm Hammonds Direct.
Simpson, of Wood Avenue, Dale Lane Estate, Heckmondwike, appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday for a plea and case management hearing.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that between September 1, 2008, and July 8, 2014, he stole approximately £450,000 belonging to the partners of Hammonds Direct.
Prosecutor George Hazel-Owram told Judge David Hatton QC that the defendant was not represented and had indicated he would not be represented at his trial, but he had discussed witness requirements with him.
Hammonds Direct went bust in 2009 with the loss of 200 jobs.
A trial date has been set for May 11, but a pre-trial review will take place on April 17.
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