A man accused of stealing about £21,000 from his brother-in-law will stand trial later this year.

Dennis Arthur Simpson, 63, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft alleging he stole cash belonging Cameron McCabe.

It is alleged the money - said by the prosecution to be in the region of £21,000 - was stolen between March 17 and September 7 last year.

Simpson's lawyer, Clare Thomas, told the court her client was "absolutely adamant that he is not responsible" for the alleged theft.

The defendant was told that he is due to go on trial before a judge at the crown court in the week of November 27 this year.

It is estimated that the hearing before a jury will last about two to three days.

In the meantime, Simpson, of Dacre Road, Brampton, near Carlisle, was granted unconditional bail by Judge Barbara Forrester.