A MAN accused of stealing metal from a South Tyneside hospital will have his case heard at crown court.
Mitchell Sayers is said to have stolen lead flashing from the roof of Palmer Community Hospital in Jarrow.
The 25-year-old was at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court facing a charge of theft.
He was also charged with possessing cannabis after police say they found the Class B drug on him.
Sayers, of Birch Street, Jarrow, pleaded not guilty to both charges and asked for the cases to be dealt with at Newcastle Crown Court.
He will be back before magistrates on April 24 when he will receive a date for his appearance at Newcastle.
Sayers was granted bail until then on the conditions that he lives at the address given to court and does not go to the hospital unless it is an emergency.