A FARM employee from Frome will stand trial next year accused of stealing more than £60,000 of cows across a period of four years.
John Ward, aged 43, of Wardean Farm, Nunney, is alleged to have taken a total of 61 cows from his employer, Michel Samuel, between June 21, 2017, and June 1, 2021.
He pleaded not guilty at a Taunton Crown Court hearing in November of last year and he made a further appearance last Monday (November 9) when he was told his trial would be held in 2027.
Judge Richard Shepherd, who initially heard the case, stepped aside because he knew Ward, and the matter was passed to Judge Anna Richardson.
Judge Richardson was told the trial was estimated to need five days of court time and she adjourned proceedings until July 26, 2027, for a pre-trial review to take place.
Ward was remanded on unconditional bail to appear again on the next date.