A WOMAN has denied defrauding two respected charities by not handing over money raised in their name.

Gina Grimes is alleged to have run an Easter Egg hunt for St Helena Hospice which cares for life-limited people across north Essex.

However, she is accused of not giving over the cash to the organisation.

The 36-year-old is also said to have told a hospice fundraising manager that money raised from a series of pub quizzes she was holding would be split between them and the military charity Help for Heroes, which has a recovery centre in Colchester.

However, it is alleged Grimes never handed over the money to the charities. The incidents date back to between April and September 2017.

During a short hearing at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, Grimes, who now lives in Findlay Street, Fife, spoke only to deny two charges of false by fraud representation and to confirm her personal details.

She claims she collected the money in good faith and had planned to pass it on to the charities but said it was taken by a third party before she had the chance.

Judge Emma Peters adjourned the case and listed a trial for April next year.

It has been scheduled to last for four days although that could be condensed if it becomes clear some witnesses are not required.

Addressing Grimes at the crown court yesterday, Judge Peters said: “You have pleaded not guilty, therefore there will be a trial.

“Your case has been placed into a warned list for April 6 next year.

“It could be called on any day in the two week period after that.

“It is extremely important you keep in close contact with your solicitors.

“If you are not here and there is no good excuse then you will have committed a separate criminal offence and the trial may proceed in your absence.

“You would not have the opportunity to give evidence which may help you in a case like this. It is absolutely crucial you are here otherwise you may find out you have been convicted in your absence.”

Grimes was given unconditional bail until the trial begins.