Two men from Essex have been charged with attempting to steal lead roofing from Norfolk churches.

Eastern Daily Press: Essex men Ben Beavis and George Lindsay have been charged with attempting to steal lead roofing from St Nicholas Church in Wells. Picture: ArchantEssex men Ben Beavis and George Lindsay have been charged with attempting to steal lead roofing from St Nicholas Church in Wells. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant © 2012)

Stewart Bainbridge, 26, of Church Road, in Romford, appeared in King's Lynn Magistrates' Court where he denied the charges.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of going equipped for theft and two counts of attempted theft of lead roofing belonging to Starston Church and St Nicholas Church in Wells.

He was also charged with driving a vehicle under the influence of cannabis on the same date as the alleged attempted theft, on December 12, 2017.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Beavis leaving King's Lynn Magistrates Court. Picture: ArchantBen Beavis leaving King's Lynn Magistrates Court. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant 2018)

A warrant is to be issued for co-defendant George Lindsay, 23, of Cleves Avenue, Brentwood, who failed to appear in magistrates' court this morning.

Lindsay has been charged with two counts of going equipped for theft, two counts of attempted theft and possession of cannabis.

Bainbridge was released under unconditional bail to return to court for trial on Monday, June 25.