Trial decision due on Diana's ex-butler

A former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales will find out if he will stand trial for the alleged theft of hundreds of her possessions.

Paul Burrell who Diana described as "my rock", was facing a committal hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London.

He is charged with three counts of theft relating to 342 items belonging to Diana, the Prince of Wales and Prince William which are alleged to have been stolen from Kensington Palace.

In all he is accused of stealing 315 items from Diana's estate, 21 from Prince William and six from the Prince of Wales.

All the items are alleged to have been stolen on or before June 30, 1998.

Burrell, of Farndon, Chester, was arrested on suspicion of theft in January this year and his home was searched by police.

He is on conditional bail and denies any impropriety, maintaining the items were given to him by his employer.