MELANIE Buss, the sister of fomer soldier and gym owner Mike Buss, appeared in courtpending a trial into fraud allegations.

Buss, of Highworth, did not read her address aloud after an order preventing a member of the public – who was in court – from contacting her, was revealed.

The 32-year-old spoke at the hearing to plead not guilty to three charges; one of theft by finding, one of theft of a motor vehicle, and one of fraud by false representation.

The allegations, by ex-partner Daniel Davies, of theft include items to the value of more than £20,000 which took place between February 14, and March 30 this year in Highworth.

It is said that Buss tried to sell one of the items, a silver transit van, to Stuart Miller.

The case was transferred to crown court for trial due to the total value of the items involved.

James Burnham, prosecuting, said: “We anticipate that these matters are not suitable for trial at this court.

“This is also to do with the consequences to the victim of the offences that are said to have been committed.

“From the charges there are various items involved that may have been attempted to be sold on.

“The quantity of those to the value of £17,000, in addition to the van itself.

“The charges of attempting to sell the items would have affected another member of the public.

“The added factor in this case which drops it over the threshold, including the £20,000 mark, is the effect on Daniel Davies’ business, with his tools of trade being appropriated.

“The loss of business in respect of this case is maintained at a figure of £40,000.”

Lucy Batten, defending, argued for one condition of bail to be lifted.

“At present there are two conditions in place,” she said. “The first is not to contact Daniel Davies or Stuart Miller, however at present she is being required to report to Gablecross police station on every Monday and Friday.

“This is causing her considerable difficulty with the cost of travelling back and forth.

“She has a six-year-old daughter who has special needs who is therefore required to accompany her to the police station while her mother reports.

“There should be no grounds for fear. I believe the complainant had indicated to the police that he did not think she would attend court, which clearly isn’t the case. There is no foundation to it.”

Mr Burnham added: “There will inevitably be a concern for a defendant, and I would suggest you do not need the reporting condition, but the court should be informed where she is residing so she does not abscond.

“Otherwise she could go anywhere in the world which would not be a good thing.”

Buss will appear at Crown Court for her next hearing on October 10.