[A] MAN accused of having a skeleton key in the Lake District for alleged criminal use will go on trial in February.
Maurice Smith, 55, pleaded not guilty to one charge when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
Smith is alleged to have gone equipped for burglary or theft on September 11 in the Troutbeck area, near Windermere.
The charge alleges that, not being at his place of abode, he had with him a skeleton or “bump” key, for use in the course of – or connection with – a burglary or theft.
Smith was told he will go on trial at the crown court in the week of February 19. It is estimated this hearing in front of a jury will last “one to two days”.
In the meantime, Smith, of Well Lane, Maryport, was granted bail by Judge Peter Davies.
