A MAN accused of stealing a catalytic converter from a parked car is to face trial later this year.

Kyle Watson is alleged to have used a saw blade to detach and remove the exhaust emission control device from a blue Volvo vehicle, parked off Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland, on Wednesday February 24 this year.

The blade was recovered at the scene, in Edge Hill.

Appearing via video link at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, from the city’s nearby prison, the 28-year-old defendant denied theft.

Judge James Adkin adjourned the hearing, pending a trial due to take place at the court in the week starting Monday December 13.

He remanded the defendant, of Church Street, Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, to remain in custody until the trial, which is only expected to take a day of court time.

The alleged crime took place at a time when there was a surge in such thefts for sale on the black market.

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