A Darlington businesswoman has appeared in court charged with 19 counts of theft.
Mary Blair, 53, of Summerhouse Grove, is accused of stealing money varying in amounts from £3,850 to more than £84,600.
She appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court alongside Christopher Grimes, 24, of Bousfield Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, who is charged with two counts of money laundering, one relating to £485,000 and the other to £96,000.
The case was adjourned until December 3. Mr Grimes was granted unconditional bail and Mrs Blair, owner of North-East bridal wear company Manhattan House, was granted bail on condition she surrender her passport to police.
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