A MAN accused of stealing coal, tools and a wheelie bin from a pensioner’s back yard has denied the offences.

John George Kinsella, 44, is alleged to have stolen the items from the 83-year-old’s property in Ferryhill, County Durham, on Wednesday, January 8, and Thursday, January 9.

Mr Kinsella, of Bessemer Street, Ferryhill, denied two charges of burglary and a further charge of theft at Peterlee Magistrates Court on Saturday (January 11).

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, January 14) a trial date was set for Tuesday, February 25.

Mr Kinsella's bail application was refused.