Musical director denies theft

Eric William Boyd of Springwell Crescent in Macosquin, pleaded not guilty to a total of 12 counts of theft from the North Eastern Education Board and a support group for the North East Ulster Schools Symphony Orchestra.

Boyd, who is a well known musical director, appeared before Judge Millar last Wednesday at Antrim Crown Court.

The 55-year-old started working for the Board in 1977 and became Head of Music in 1994, he denies eight counts of stealing 28,500 from the NEELB and four counts of stealing 49,785 from the Association of Friends of the North East Ulster Schools Symphony Orchestra.

The offences are claimed to have taken place between June 2003 and March 2005.

Defence counsel, Mr Duffy told the court that it was a 'complex case' and that it involved a 'large number of transactions'.

Judge Millar granted the defence lawyer permission to appoint a forensic accountant to examine the 'substantial amount of documentation' surrounding the case.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Boyd was remanded on continuing bail, the case will be reviewed on February 8.