A JURY will decide if Mike Buss stole charity donations in a trial listed for September after he pleaded not guilty to a single charge at Swindon Crown Court this morning.

The 40-year-old former soldier, who sat on the back bench rather than in the dock due to hearing problems, maintains his innocence to an allegation he defrauded Help for Heroes between October 2009 and November 2010.

Buss, of Barra Close, Highworth, appeared with shaggy hair and beard at Swindon Crown Court, wearing a grey jacket and cap as he entered the building in the morning.

He was told to return to the court once again on the morning of Monday, September 28, for the start of what is anticipated to be a three to four-day trial.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, said Crown Prosecution Service would require seven witnesses for its case, including the investigating police officer.

Judge Peter Blair QC said any witnesses needed for the trial would need to make the court aware of any conflicts with the proposed start date within seven days.

The defence’s case for Buss will be prepared and handed over to Wiltshire Police as a part of the build-up to the trial.

Tony Bignell, representing Buss, said his client had mental health problems which would come out during the trial.

He also said the defence would call only one witness – Buss himself.

Buss was released on conditional bail again, being instructed to avoid any direct or indirect contact with Help for Heroes and to ensure he has no involvement in any charitable activity.

Addressing Buss, Judge Blair said: “Your trial is going to happen at the end of September on the 28th.

“I have made various orders so that it can be prepared in good time and so that you can understand how the prosecution are going to present their case.

“You must come back on that date. If you don’t, we will go on without you. If you don’t attend we will issue a warrant for you to be arrested.

“You must comply with the same bail conditions which is to not have any contact with Help for Heroes and not to undertake charitable collecting in the meantime.”