Man in court over Conran fraud

A former goalkeeper appeared in court on Friday charged with stealing over £340,000 from a bank account belonging to the founder of the Habitat chain, Sir Terence Conran.

Darren Steadman, from Greatfield Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, is accused of illegally transferring money from the businessman's bank account on 4 December last year.

The 33-year-old, who appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates, is also charged with attempting to steal a further £10,000 from the same Abbey National account in Kidderminster, on the same day.

Mr Steadman, who used to play for Kidderminster Harriers, spoke only to confirm his personal details and was bailed to appear at the same court on 16 January next year.

He was arrested on 5 December last year after an investigation by West Mercia Constabulary's economic crime unit.

They were investigating the transfer of large amounts of cash into the bank's Kidderminster branch.