A PENSIONER accused of stealing a poppy tin is set to appear in court.

A box was stolen from the post office in Downside Road, Risinghurst, at about 8.30am on Monday, November 5.

Mahesh Gandhi, owner of the post office for 22 years, said he was disappointed as staff always made a big effort for the Poppy Appeal.

Mr Gandhi, 50, said: “We have one collection box in the shop and one on the post office counter.

“On Monday afternoon one of the staff noticed that the one on the counter was missing. I searched the whole shop for it and couldn’t find it, but I knew I had seen it on Sunday.

“We reported it to the Poppy Appeal people. I was very upset about it as the collection is for people who gave their lives for this country and we only have the boxes here for two weeks.”

John Thompson, from Malford Road, Barton, has been charged with one count of theft.

The 72-year-old was released on police bail to attend Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 20.