A LONGTOWN man has denied two charges of burgling rooms in a Carlisle city centre hotel, allegedly stealing keys and an £8,000 watch.

Mark George Kenney, 44, entered not guilty pleas to both allegations when he appeared before a district judge at the city’s Rickergate court. Both charges relate to offences allegedly committed on April 20.

Prosecutors say the burglaries were within the County Hotel on Botchergate.

The first charge specifies that the defendant burgled a manager’s office at the hotel, stealing keys while the second charge relates to the alleged burglary of a guest’s room, from which prosecutors say a watch worth £8,000 was taken.

The defendant, of Moor Road, Longtown, spoke only to confirm his personal details and to enter his not guilty pleas.

After legal discussions, which involved setting dates for future hearings, District Judge John Temperley ruled that the case is suitable for a summary trial, which was scheduled to get underway on June 11.

It will be held at the Rickergate Magistrates' Court.

In the meantime, the district judge remanded Kenney in custody. The defendant, who was represented in court by defence lawyer Duncan Campbell, was told that he will return to court for a further hearing on May 16.