A former tenant 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.

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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.

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.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward