A MAN has appeared in court accused of stealing almost £27,000 worth of cable from a railway line.

Robert Law, of no fixed address, was before Huddersfield magistrates yesterday.

On June 16 he is accused of stealing 40 metres of cable worth over £15,000 belonging to Network Rail at the Bridge, Milnsbridge.

Three days later, the 48-year-old is said to have stolen another 40 metres of the two core cable, worth £3,135.

He is accused of returning to the same spot again on June 20, and this time taking over £8,600 worth of cable.

Law is also charged with having a locking knife, an offensive weapon, in a public place at Top Vale Works, Colne Vale Road in Milnsbridge, on June 23.

He had been remanded in custody after breaking the conditions of residence part of his curfew order.

But magistrates agreed to release him on bail after the probation service secured accommodation for him.

Law will next appear before the court on October 21 when his case will be committed to crown court.

His bail conditions are that he resides at Backhold Drive in Halifax, abides by the rules of the provider and reports to a police station a day before his next hearing.