James Munroe, the former director of corporate affairs for Automotive Skills, is to appear before Middlesex Guildhall crown court, charged with stealing thousands of pounds from the London-based skills council.

Munroe appeared before Horseferry Road Magistrates Court, south-west London, on August 30 where he was charged with theft – stealing cash to the value of £70,000, two counts of forgery – using company cheques issued by Lloyds TSB, and one count of obtaining pecuniary advantage for self by deception.

The theft and forgery are alleged to have occurred in September of this year, while the pecuniary charge relates to March 2004.

Munroe, who took up his post in March 2004, was dismissed in July this year after an audit by both PricewaterhouseCoopers and Hays McIntyre prompted questioning by Automotive Skill accountants. He was arrested and taken to Marylebone police station.

Munroe is scheduled to appear before Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court on October 4 at 9.45am. Automotive Skills are unable to give any further information due to the ongoing criminal investigation.