A WOMAN is to stand trial in front of a jury accused of stealing almost £10,000 while working at a Lake District branch of clothing company Fat Face.

Fifty-year-old Clare Fish faces one charge. This alleges theft and specifically that she stole £9,031.50 belonging to Fat Face in Bowness.

It is alleged the crime was committed during a period of almost four months, between November 1 2021 and February 28 of the following year.

Fish appeared at Carlisle Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

A brief summary of the case against Fish — and the nature of her defence — was outlined to the judge, Recorder Tony Hawks, by prosecution and defence counsel, respectively, during the short hearing.

A trial expected to last around two days is due to be held at the crown court. This is set to start in the week of May 27 next year.

In the meantime Fish, of Lake View Villas, Bowness-on-Windermere, was granted unconditional bail by the judge.