A Jericho churchwarden has appeared in court accused of defrauding St Barnabas church out of almost £10,000. 

Henry Gibbon, 58, is alleged to have abused his position at the church to take £9,334.90 between February and November 2018.

Prosecutors also claim he defrauded the Jericho Wharf Trust, for which he was treasurer, out of almost £450 between January and March 2018. The charity was set up to develop the canalside-site. 

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court on Thursday morning wearing a suit and dark tie, Gibbon, of Bracknell Gardens, London, pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud.

Judge Ian Pringle QC bailed him to return to court for his trial on May 16, 2022. The trial is expected to last three days.

Cathy Olliver appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Peter de Feu represented Gibbon.

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