A Southend man accused of a double raid on a famous fifteenth century church in the heart of the City of London pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court.
Andrew Alleyne, 35, of Chancellor Road, Southend-on-Sea spoke only to confirm his name during the five-minute hearing and was remanded in custody to stand trial on a day to be set the week beginning January 4, next year.
He is charged with burgling Saint Olave’s Church, Hart Street, - the burial place of Samuel Pepys - with intent to steal, on January 29 and March 31.
The famous diarist saved the church (pictured) from the great fire of London in 1666 and Mother Goose was buried there on September 14 1586.
Author Charles Dickens also had a fondness for St. Olave's and mentions the church in his writings.
Alleyne does not dispute he entered the church, and there is CCTV evidence, but denies entering a private area to steal.
The trial is expected to last two days.
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