A ROYAL Wootton Bassett man has appeared in court accused of stealing furnishings from his landlord.

James de Jager, 44, is said by prosecutors to have stolen ‘multiple items of furniture and soft furnishings’ worth £1,840 from Oxford landlord John Gittins between October 1 and November 15, 2019.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Monday morning, de Jager, formerly known as James Beck, of East End, Witney, pleaded not guilty to theft of fixtures by a tenant.

The defendant is previously of Bennett Hill Close, Royal Wootton Bassett.

Judge Ian Pringle QC released the defendant on unconditional bail and fixed his trial for February 23 next year.

De Jager’s barrister, Kellie Enever, said the trial was anticipated to last three to four days.

The charge he faces, theft, carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment if convicted at the crown court.