A woman accused of stealing almost £37,000 from a Bradford metal finishing company will have her case heard at Crown Court later this month.

Emma Frampton, of Farfield Grove, Wibsey, Bradford, chose not to indicate a plea to a charge of theft from Yorkshire Plating Services Ltd during a brief hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Linda Fowler said when Frampton worked for the company, based at the Alma Works on Sticker Lane, Cutler Heights, Bradford, she was responsible for processing payments to suppliers and receiving payments from customers.

Between October 14, 2012, and February 22 this year, she is alleged to have made a number of unauthorised payments totalling £36,983.99 to two personal bank accounts.

The money was said to belong to Stephen Middow, listed online as managing director of the firm.

" This matter has to go to the Crown Court," said Mrs Fowler, pointing to the alleged breach of trust and the sums of money involved as key reasons for sending the case to the higher court.

Frampton, 39, wearing a black full-length dress, spoke only to confirm her name, address, and date of birth during the five-minute hearing yesterday morning.

Frampton was asked by the clerk if she would be pleading guilty or not guilty.

He defence solicitor, Sarah Guttman, stood up and told the court that no plea would be indicated at this stage.

Chairman of the bench John Waterhouse adjourned the case.

It has now been sent to Bradford Crown Court, where Frampton is due to appear on July 16.