A man has been charged after a shipping container and its contents were stolen from the Port of Liverpool.
Peter Willans appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning and denied the offences.
Callum Bryce, prosecuting, said a theft from the Port of Liverpool was reported on January 20 this year and saw a total of £70,000 of goods stolen by a man, who prosecutors say was Willans, driving an HGV.
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The court heard the load in the container had a value of £56,000 while the shipping container and its trailer were of around £14,000 in value. Willans, from Batley in West Yorkshire, was later charged with theft.
He also faces charges of driving without insurance and driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. All the charges relate to the same incident.
The 35 year old appeared over video link this morning and spoke only to confirm his details and indicate he would plead not guilty. Carl Kingsley, defending, said he agreed with a prosecution assessment that the value of the goods meant the case was unsuitable for a magistrates trial.
As a result, the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on August 30. Willans, of Ealand Road, was bailed by the court to attend on that date.
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