A Gloucester man who has denied breaking into a Moreton in Marsh clothes shop and stealing £17,000 worth of goods will stand trial on August 31, a judge ruled today.

Christopher Thomas, 41, of London Road, Gloucester, is alleged to have broken into Henry's Clothing store with others on March 2 last year. He denies the charge.

Defending Thomas, Emily Evans told Judge Michael Cullum at Gloucester crown court "There was some confusion over telephone evidence."

The judge had said that at the last hearing on July 7 "I was questioning what was in issue, and also asking for the defence case statement to be resolved."

Miss Evans said, "I can serve a copy of the defence case statement. It has been signed today.

"The issue is that the call dates on the phone that was seized was not that of the cell site analysis that was provided. The iPhone that was seized had not been used prior to 6th April last year.

"The prosecution must provide a link between my client and the phone."

The judge remarked "He's saying 'prove that phone is in my hand. Where is the evidence that I made those calls?' So, it's an attribution issue."

Miss Evans said "The accuracy of the cell site analysis is also an issue."

However Kerry Barker, prosecuting said there had been a 'clerical error' and assured the judge that it would be rectified.

The judge said "The prosecution are to serve a corrected statement and maps by 26th July 2017. There is now no need for defence to instruct an expert. The issue is attribution. Why do the police say that this is his telephone number?"

Mr Barker said "police intelligence."

The judge said "It's not clear to me how the prosecution case is put" and asked for a summary of their case to be provided to him.

The judge addressed Thomas: "Your trial will take place on 31st August. You must come or the trial will start without you. We will have another hearing two weeks before hand on 17th August to ensure that everything is in order."

Thomas was remanded in custody to await his next hearing in August.