A mortician has been charged with stealing human skeletons, skulls and spinal cords from schools and universities in and around Hertfordshire.
Mr Vincent Hull, 50, of North Western Avenue, Watford, faces 14 charges of obtaining property by deception under the 1968 Theft Act.
The three-hour hearing at Watford magistrates' court on Friday, July 26, heard that Mr Hull was employed as the head mortician at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
He is charged with lying about his position at the hospital and the nature of his work to acquire the body parts.
The schools and universities in the county said to have been deceived by Mr Hull are Haberdasher's Askes, St Albans High School for Girls, West Herts College, St Columba's College and the University of Hertfordshire.
He also faces one count of defrauding Watford Grammar School for Girls of £300.
All of the alleged offences are said to have taken place between September 2000 and January 2001.
He was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, August 21.
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