A man accused of stealing his own barrister's phone at Bexley Magistrates’ Court has pleaded not guilty.

Bobby Heath, 25, formerly of Simnel Road, Lee, has been accused of stealing barrister Charlotte Johnson's phone on May 1.

Heath had been in court on charges of cannabis possession and driving without insurance when the alleged theft took place.

Ms Johnson was discussing fine arrangements with Heath around 11am when she returned to court, leaving her £300 Samsung mobile phone and case files on the window sill, Bexley Magistrates’ Court heard today (June 2).

But when she returned to court, the phone had gone.

Heath denied taking the phone.