stolen more than $2 million from his employer will begin this morning.

David Alexander Diggins, 49, of Somerset was employed at the bank as a senior manager responsible for international and foreign loans.

He has pleaded not guilty to stealing $2,812,500. He has also denied obtaining the money under false pretences and with intent to defraud and inducing Mary Faries to deliver the money to New Way Property Ltd. without proper authorisation on August 29 of last year. He is represented by lawyer Julian Hall.

The Royal Gazette understands that one of the major prosecution witnesses who was unwilling to come to Bermuda to give evidence, was summonsed in Gibraltar.

This witness gave evidence and was cross-examined.

It is believed to be the first time this process, called taking evidence on commission, has happened in a Bermudian criminal trial.

The jury was not present but the entire testimony was videotaped and excerpts will be played during the trial.

When contacted Mr. Hall refused to give any details.

"I would really rather not say anything,'' he said. "The trial starts (today).'' Solicitor General Barrie Meade was in a meeting all yesterday afternoon and could not be reached for comment.