A FORMER sales manager is said to have stolen £27,000 from a Chippenham car firm.

Grant Stiddard, 46, is accused of defrauding his former employers Chippenham Motor Company of £27,000. Prosecutors claim he generated fraudulent invoices.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Stiddard, of Tytherington, Gloucestershire, entered no pleas to a single count of fraud by abuse of position. He is said to have carried out the fraud between May 20, 2019 and February 21, 2020.

Magistrates bailed Stiddard to appear before Swindon Crown Court on February 19 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Tom Power appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Stiddard was represented by Clare Gooding.