A SUFFOLK church treasurer has denied swindling funds. Peter Bentley stood expressionless in the dock at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday , and spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his pleas.

A SUFFOLK church treasurer has denied swindling funds.

Peter Bentley stood expressionless in the dock at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, and spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his pleas.

The 66-year-old, dressed in a dark chequered suit, pink shirt and red tie, denied two counts of forgery by making false annual statements for St Peter's Monks Eleigh Parochial Church Council.

Bentley, of Foysters Peace, Monks Eleigh, also denied two counts of false accounting and eight charges of obtaining money transfers by deception.

The amount of money concerned was not announced in court.

The court heard that the defence, headed by Steven Dyble, would serve a forensic accounts reports by October 4 "if it is to be relied upon".

Judge John Devaux heard that the trial was expected to last between three and four days.

Bentley's trial was scheduled to take place during the fortnight beginning October 28.

Judge Devaux released Bentley on unconditional bail until then.

He added: "In the unlikely event of your not turning up for your trial I have to warn you that it could go ahead in your absence."