A PLEA hearing for a man accused of stealing nearly £200k from his employer has been pushed back yet again.

Ben Noden, of Church Street, Shipston, formerly of Coronation Way, Kidderminster, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday (October 14) with no representation.

The court heard that there's an application for legal aid in process made by Noden. Her Honour Judge Seanin Gilmore decided to adjourn the hearing and allow another month for Noden to find representation either through legal aid, or a private solicitor.

The judge said: "Mr Noden it's being arraigned to the 14th of November. You must have a solicitor by that date organised".

Noden first appeared before Judge Martin Jackson at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, August 20. He appeared with no legal representation and Judge Jackson adjourned the case for two weeks to allow him the time to provide solicitors with further information, including bank statements.

A plea hearing was later rescheduled to take place on September 19, but the judge acknowledged he may not have been made aware of the hearing, and the hearing was relisted for October 14.

The 37-year-old is charged with theft by employee, with £198,387.15 belonging to employer Peter Round being stolen. He is also charged with committing fraud by false representation by forging a signature in order to obtain money. He has yet to enter pleas to these charges.

When he previously appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 23, he admitted a separate charge of stealing cash to the value of £2,640 belonging to Monica Davies.