A NORTH Devon literary agent will face a jury trial over allegations he stole more than half a million pounds.

Robin Nicholas Price, 51, of Gilbert Grove in Ilfracombe was told he would face a jury at Exeter Crown Court on Friday April 23.

When he appeared before North Devon magistrates last week Price denied all six charges.

The prosecution alleges Price, who previously lived in Yelland, stole £532,034 from 1999 to 2008.

Price, who turned up to court wearing a black coat, blue jumper, black trousers and white trainers, was released on bail on condition that he lives and sleeps at his Ilfracombe home.

Price is alleged to have stolen £120,000 from Dr Bryan Walton between January 1, 1999 and October 31, 2006; £14,250 from Chris Bailey between March 28, 2001 and September 30, 2004; £4,200 from Michael Hawkes between May 29, 2004 and September 22, 2006; £293,603 from Cecil Humphery-Smith OBE between July 1, 2001 and July 31, 2007; £646 from Evelyn Joyce Jolley between January 17 and January 31, 2005 and £99,335 from Judith Daybetween November 28, 2001 and January 30, 2008.