A NEW date has been agreed for the trial of a former finance manager accused of defrauding a training company.

Sharon Morris was to go on trial at Durham Crown Court today (Tuesday February 11) having previously denied three counts of fraud, by abuse of position, from On Net Training, in Crook.

She was alleged to have taken £7,082.25 by awarding herself unauthorised payments and writing off unauthorised loans, on various dates between 2009 and 2012.

But, following lengthy discussions between prosecution and defence counsel, a new seven count indictment was preferred, to which Morris pleaded ‘guilty’ to the first charge, of fraud.

Her admission was on the basis the amount overpaid was £760.21, a figure not accepted by the Crown, which claims it was £4,616.

The case was adjourned for a trial on the other counts and a potential trial of issue, or Newton-style hearing, on the new first charge.

Forty-three-year-old Morris, of Lydgate Lane, Wolsingham, County Durham, was bailed to return to the court for the start of the re-arranged trial, on June 4.