Finance man denies theft charges

A financial advisor accused of stealing thousands of pounds from two Herefordshire sisters claims the pair had agreed to bail him out, a court heard.

Worcester Crown Court heard on Thursday that David Weston allegedly stole £40,000 from Mary and Violet Pugh's bank accounts.

Mr Weston, 45, from Hereford, claims he explained to the two sisters, who live in Burley Gate near Bromyard, that his new finance business was struggling.

He says they allowed him to take money from their building society account to help him out.

But the prosecution claim he stole the money by forging their signatures.

Mr Weston is accused of stealing a total of £66,000 from the sisters and two other elderly customers.

He denies all charges.