A FORMER Newport landlord appeared in court yesterday accused of stealing more than £24,000.

Michael Cook, 58, of Holly Street, Rhiwderin, Pontypridd, was at Newport Magistrates Court having been accused of stealing £24,721.64 from the brewery SA Brains Limited.

The former landlord of The Hanbury Arms in Caerleon was accused of taking the money from his employer.

The court heard how Mr Cook was accused of taking this money between May 5 last year and January 16 this year.

He was arrested and interviewed on April 22 and released on police bail.

The case was listed for committal to crown court yesterday but had to be adjourned for a week for the right papers and bank statements to be considered.

Rob Simkins from the Crown Prosecution Service said this is a matter of "some complexity."

The case was adjourned until November 4 and Mr Cook was released on unconditional bail.