DENIES CHARGES: Paul Langthorpe is accused of stealing from the Yorkshire Warriors choir, which he helped form.
A FORMER soldier is expected to stand trial in May accused of stealing from a charity that helps amputee troops. Paul Langthorpe, 47, made his first, brief appearance before a judge at Hull Crown Court yesterday.
He is charged with one count of theft and two counts of "using a false instrument with intent so it to be accepted as genuine".
Mr Langthorpe helped form The Yorkshire Warriors, a choir comprising local veterans.
It is alleged Mr Langthorpe, of New Bridge Road, east Hull, stole £619 in donations following a gig performed by the choir at The Rampant Horse pub in Hall Road, Orchard Park, in August.
During a previous hearing at Hull Magistrates' Court, Mr Langthorpe denied all three charges.
It is alleged Mr Langthorpe had collected the sum of cash from the pub's landlord, Colin Edgecumbe, telling him he would hand the money to a representative of The Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund.
No money was received by the charity.
Mr Edgecumbe was concerned about the authenticity of a thank-you letter he was presented with by Mr Langthorpe.
Police were called in and Mr Lanthorpe, a former member of The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, was arrested and charged.
He told police that he had posted the cash to the charity.
While admitting that he had forged two letters, Mr Langthorpe said he did so only to "get other choir members off my back".
All cash raised from performances staged at sports grounds and pubs across Yorkshire should have gone to the regimental charity, which helps injured soldiers and their families.
Some of the soldiers the charity helps have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other conflicts.
At yesterday's hearing, Mr Langthorpe spoke only to confirm his details, as other choir members sat in the public gallery.
Mr Langhtorpe was granted unconditional bail and will attend a plea and case management hearing on March 17.
A provisional trial date of May 12 was set.
The Yorkshire Warriors, which formed early last year, released a debut album, featuring six songs and several readings, last November.
The choir had announced it was to release a second album when allegations surfaced about Mr Langthorpe. Other members of the choir have cancelled booked performances while they await the outcome of legal proceedings against Mr Langthorpe.
Can you help Yorkshire Warriors?
THE Yorkshire Warriors choir is keen to carry on supporting injured servicemen. It has always met at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield, pictured above.
However, due to the fact that many members live in Hull, the choir is now seeking new premises in the city to hold meetings. Anyone able to help is asked to call 07564 784977.
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