A FORMER supervisor at Crewe's Basford Sidings rail depot appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday accused of stealing locomotives and carriages worth more than £100,000.

Barry Daly, 42, of Sweet Briar Crescent, Crewe, denied the theft of:

two Class 31 locomotives

two Class 47 locomotives

three Mark 1 breakdown coaches

six passenger coaches

30 Cat Fish wagons

six plank wagons

two break vans.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between January 1, 1994 and August 1, 1996.

Mr Daly also pleaded not guilty to three allegations of procuring cheques by deception, involving £18,000.

The prosecution claims he told buyers he was in a position to sell the trains and carriages to them when he was not.

Daly, married with a family, was in charge of shunting operations at the Basford yard.

Whilst a rail employee he helped raise money for charities and community projects. His support for the town's rail heritage centre involved taking on the role of the Fat Controller for Thomas the Tank Engine days.

Monday's court appearance was for him to make his plea to the charges. He is due to stand trial at Knutsford Crown Court on November 2.

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