Ex-solicitor charged over theft

A 70-year-old former solicitor has been charged with stealing over £100,000 from his law practice in Belfast.

Norman Taylor from Avon Court in Antrim is alleged to have stolen the money from Taylor and Company in May 2001.

His solicitor said he had been excused attendance from the trial at Belfast Magistrates Court on grounds of ill-health.

Mr Taylor was struck-off by the Law Society in 2004. His firm in Donegall Pass is no longer in operation.

The case has been adjourned for 16 weeks while further investigations take place.

Mr Taylor has also been excused attendance at the next hearing in January.