CPS decides to press charges against hotel's night porter

A night porter accused of cheating the St James Court Hotel in London while allegedly entrusted to do some audit work was remanded on bail by magistrates - despite claims that his former bosses do not want him prosecuted.

Roger Stefan-Evans, 29, of East Barnet faces three sample charges of obtaining by deception money transfers of £300, £1,000 and £1,500, by falsely representing that the hotel had authorised refunds into his bank account.

Harry Grason, defending, said the money had been repaid and police had since been in touch with the hotel to confirm that they no longer wished to proceed with the case.

But Antoinette Clarke, prosecuting, said that because of the seriousness of the allegations and the large amounts involved, the Crown Prosecution Service wanted to press charges even without the hotel's co-operation.