[MSN] An antiques expert who regularly appears on BBC's Bargain Hunt faces trial by jury after his case was sent to crown court this week.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

 TV antiques star appears in court over theft allegation

Michael Hogben

An antiques expert who regularly appears on BBC's Bargain Hunt faces trial
by jury after his case was sent to crown court this week.

Michael Hogben, 54, the star of BBC shows, Real Deal and Auction Man,
appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court on today charged with stealing two
paintings worth thousands of pounds from a pensioner

Magistrates told Hogben the case was too serious to be dealt with by
magistrates and sent him to Canterbury Crown Court for trial in March.

Hogben, of Hythe, is accused of stealing a portrait and landscape painting
from the pensioner's home between June and November, 2005.

It is alleged that the flamboyant TV star was invited to the pensioner's
home to value a number of pieces of antique furniture, but ended up taking
away two paintings after telling the woman that he would get them valued for
her.

Hogben, who wore a blue suit with beige jumper and whose best man at his
wedding was TV funnyman Vic Reeves, was released on unconditional bail. 

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/