A MAN charged with stealing a charity box has been sent to Chelmsford Crown Court.

Matthew Fearn, 30, of Brooklands, Colchester, was yesterday sent for trial after he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing the tin from St Helena Hospice, in Colchester, on August 31.

He will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on February 6.

Fearn was released on bail to observe a 6pm to 6am curfew and to stay at his Brooklands address.