A WOMAN has appeared before a Judge and denied stealing tens of thousands of pounds from her former employer.

June Elizabeth Watson, 48, is alleged to have stolen the money from Accrington-based ABN Financial between February 2011 and June 2016.

Prosecutor Emma Kehoe said Watson’s defence team would be served with the exact figure she is alleged to have stolen at a later date. But when the defendant appeared before Blackburn magistrates on October 12 that figure was said to be £225,000.

Watson, of Robinson Street, Colne, spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and nationality, and to enter her not guilty plea to a single count of theft.

Representatives from ABN Financial were sat in the public gallery during the 15-minute hearing.

A trial date was set for July 2 at Burnley Crown Court, with a pre-trial review hearing listed for June 4. The trial is expected to last for seven days.

Watson was released on unconditional bail but warned by Judge Sara Dodd that she would be committing an offence if she failed to appear for the review or her trial.