A FORMER chief executive of Maidstone and Mid Kent Chamber of Commerce has appeared in court on theft charges.

William Alder, 55, of Spot Lane, Bearsted, appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court where he faced six counts of theft totalling more than £2,000.

Five of the offences are said to have taken place in 2002.

Alder, who is unemployed, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in August. He was charged on December 15.

The case was adjourned until Friday, February 17, to allow time for evidence to be reviewed.