A 44-year-old former logistics manager at David Brown Ltd appeared in court today - Monday - charged with fraud and stealing more than £100,000 from his employer.

Craig Vear of Vineyard, Leymoor Road, Golcar, is said to have taken £113,439.92 from Browns at Park Gear Works, Park Road, Crosland Moor.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 15, 2007 and March 31, 2013.

Vear is also accused of committing fraud by failing to disclose to his employer that he had a financial interest in two companies and that by doing so made “a financial gain for yourself or to cause a loss to David Brown.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges at Kirklees Magistrates' Court and will appear at Leeds Crown Court on February 9.

District Judge Michael Fanning granted him unconditional bail.