Athlete denies stealing funds raised for charity

The former endurance athlete Mike Buss has denied he stole money from funds he was raising for Help For Heroes.

The 41-year-old is on trial at Swindon Crown Court accused of fraud and theft.

The prosecution alleges he took money from collection tins and paid it directly into his own bank account.

Mr Buss told the jury that this money was for Help for Heroes merchandise and was later transferred to the charity.

He also said that separately he earned money from sponsorships from Swindon companies who were happy to be associated with him.

He also said some companies, for example drinks firms, gave him a product which he could then sell at events:

"I owned the proceeds of the sale," he told the court.

He also said he had two sets of collecting tins at events. One set for Help for Heroes, another which raised money for future fundraising events he was planning.