A MAN who was found to have used stolen bank cards to top up his mobile phone has denied burglary.

Graham Crutch, of Longore, Stonesfield, denies walking into a property during the night of February 25 and 26 this year and stealing a handbag.

Merryl Hughes, prosecuting at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, said Helen Peto, the occupant of the property in Churchfields, Stonesfield, realised her bag was missing on February 26.

Miss Hughes told the jury that Mrs Peto noticed nine transactions using her bank cards in the early hours of February 26. A receipt for a medical loan for a Red Cross wheelchair, which had been in the handbag, was also found in Crutch’s bedroom.

Giving evidence yesterday, Crutch admitted using the cards to top up his phone, but said he bought them from someone else.

Questioned by Adrian Amer, defending, he revealed he has previous convictions for other burglaries. Mr Amer said: “Are you absolutely sure that you did not commit this burglary?”

Crutch replied: “I am 100 per cent sure.”

The trial continues.