TELEVISION celebrity Michael Hogben appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on Monday accused of theft.

Hogben, 54, of Dymchurch Road, Hythe, stood in the dock dressed in a dark suit and multi-coloured shirt to deny stealing two paintings belonging to Paul Littlefield between June 2 and November 4, 2005.

His trial is expected to last up to four days and will be heard sometime in May after the court has heard legal argument.

He was released on bail.