THE former head of finance at Benenden Healthcare Society has appeared before York Crown Court accused of stealing more than £1.2 million from the private health care organisation.

James William Gibbon, 62, of St George’s Place, Tadcaster Road, York, was not asked to enter a plea during the preliminary hearing. His case was adjourned until April 11 when he is expected to enter his plea to ten charges of theft.

Together they allege that he stole £1,207,417 from Benenden Healthcare between January 1, 2003 and April 4, 2012.

After hearing from his barrister Glenn Parsons, Judge Shaun Spencer QC did not set a provisional trial date and released him on bail.