A MAN denied stealing more than £100,000 from his elderly, Alzheimer's-suffering mum, when he appeared in court in Bradford today.

Steven Darvill is accused of theft - including theft by finding - from Hazel Riley over a five-year period between 2009 and March this year.

The money - allegedly totalling £101,377.87p - was taken from Mrs Riley's bank account, Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court was told.

The prosecution's case is that Darvill did not have the authority to take the money from the account.

Darvill, of Ashfield Road in Birstall, allegedly carried out the theft in Bradford, although further details were not given in court.

The 55-year-old, appeared in the dock wearing glasses, tie and a dark-coloured suit to confirm his name, address and date of birth, before pleading not guilty.

Magistrates agreed with solicitors for the prosecution and defence that Darvill's case should be heard at crown court, as it was said magistrates did not have sufficient powers to deal with it.

The prosecution said: "Clearly it is a lot of money. The prosecution say this court would not have sufficient powers."

Darvill is scheduled to next appear in court at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday, September 25, this year.

Magistrates released Darvill on bail on condition that he must not contact, directly or indirectly, Hazel Riley, Margaret Baxter, Leslie Darvill, Eva Waller, Alison Naylor and Sandra Wendal.