A SUB-postmaster is facing trial on allegations of the theft of £101,627 and 90 benefit books.
Richard Lofthouse, 36, of Riddings Avenue, Worsthorne, appeared before magistrates at Burnley today and was committed to the crown court.
He has been sub-postmaster at Brunshaw Road post office, Burnley, for six years and is well known as president of Todmorden Cricket Club.
Richard Taylor, prosecuting for the Department of Social Security said Lofthouse was charged that between September 1, 1997 and February 1, 1999, at Burnley he stole 90 pension allowance order books with a nominal value of £90 belonging to the Secretary of State for Social Security.
He is also charged that between the same dates he stole £101, 627 belonging to the Secretary of State for Social Security.
Lofthouse was arrested on February 2 this year during Operation Canberra, a combined operation involving the police, Social Security and Royal Mail.
He was allowed unconditional bail until a plea and directions hearing at Burnley Crown Court on July 9.
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