A FORMER Sheriff of York was appearing in court today charged with causing £50,000 worth of damage at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

York-born Arthur Paul Milling, 57, who is known as Paul, said before today's plea and directions hearing at Gloucester Crown Court that he would be pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy to cause criminal damage, criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

Mr Milling, who left York five years ago and now lives in Birmingham, was jointly charged with fellow peace protester Dr Margaret Jones, 54, following an alleged incident at the RAF base in March.

He was for a number of years a Conservative councillor representing the Micklegate and Fishergate wards on York City Council. He is a former leader of the council's Tory group.

Updated: 10:59 Friday, May 23, 2003