A woman accused of stealing more than £90,000 from two Lincoln community groups has appeared before magistrates for a second time.

Melanie Ward is alleged to have stolen £93,138.68 from St Giles Community Forum in a three year period from July 19, 2004, to September 30, 2007.

The 42-year-old is also charged with stealing £5,777 from Magical Moments Playgroup based at St Giles Community Centre, in Swift Gardens, Lincoln.

This offence is said to have taken place between December 2, 2003, and September 1, 2008.

Ward, of Macaulay Drive, Lincoln, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates' Court yesterday for a committal hearing.

But a decision to send the case for trial at Lincoln Crown Court has been delayed and a contested hearing is scheduled to take place on July 19 and 20 in front of District Judge Richard Blake.

This will allow Ward's solicitor more time to examine evidence which has yet to be passed on.

No pleas to the charges have been entered by Ward.

She was granted unconditional bail to return to Lincoln Magistrates' Court for July 19.