A MAN has denied pretending to be a bailiff in order to collect money he said was owed to him.

Stuart Veitch, 57, of St Catherine’s Close, Fishburn, County Durham, is accused of fraud by false representation between November 6 and December 13 last year.

He is said to have visited the complainant at his place of work and claimed to be a bailiff engaged to recover money which was owed as payment of a county court judgement.

The defendant denied the offence at Teesside Crown Court and the case was adjourned for a trial which will be held in the week commencing September 15. His unconditional bail was renewed by Judge Tony Briggs.