A MAN denied stealing a Fabergé egg, paintings and more than £200,000 in cash from a Hungerford millionaire, saying he had no recollection of events.

A collection of valuable items were stolen over a three year period from Major Christopher Osgood Phillip Hanbury, of Loveslock House, Hungerford.

Major Hanbury is a former member of the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars, aide to the Sultan of Brunei and is a family friend of the Prince of Wales having once hosted Prince Harry at his Argentinian polo estate, El Remanso.

His former caretaker, Simon Dalton, 52, of Finchdale Drive in Cheshire, appeared in the dock today at Reading Crown Court, and denied five counts of theft and one count of acquiring, using and possessing criminal property.

Unshaven and dressed in a black polo top, jeans and walking boots, Mr Dalton denied stealing a collection of jewellery and watches, £278,673 in cash, paintings and a Fabergé egg between March 2010 and March 2013.

Nick Cotter, defending, said: "Mr Dalton is insistent that he has no recollection of coming to these actions."

Judge Joanna Cutts QC, said: "You will be here on 16th November for a pre-trial review, The trial will last for two weeks and will start on the 23rd November."

Mr Dalton was released on conditional bail.