Ex-manager denies fraud

The former manager of a Maidstone vaping shop has appeared in court charged with fraud.

George Austin is accused of pocketing nearly £9,000 of the firm’s money while working at Phoenix Electronic Cigarettes in the Royal Star Arcade between January and October last year.

Austin, of Ulcombe Gardens in Canterbury, denied committing fraud by abusing his position when he appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

While the case could be heard by magistrates, Austin opted for a trial with a jury. The hearing is expected to take place at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, July 14.