Man denies £22,000 theft from Co Londonderry church

Derek Carson, whose address cannot be published because of a court order, denied the theft from Churchtown Presbyterian Church in Tamlaght, Co Londonderry.

He pleaded not guilty to further charges of fraud by abuse of position and converting criminal property.

The offences were allegedly committed between January 2007 and June 2013.

Londonderry Crown Court heard Carson’s defence has instructed a firm of accountants to carry out a forensic audit of the accounts involved.

A barrister then applied for Carson’s address not to be published.

He said his client is a father of three and he has received a number of items, including material of a graphic nature, posted to his address.

Judge Philip Babington granted an order which bans the press from publishing his address, and Carson was released on continuing bail to appear in court again on April 7.