A man accused of pretending to be someone else who had almost the identical name, and making unlawful bank withdrawals of more than $3,000 as a result of the alleged deception, is to face a trial at Magistrates' Court next February.

Freeman James Smith, 38, is alleged to have falsely represented himself as a man called Freeman David James Smith in order to make three bank withdrawals of $700, $1,600 and $1,800 during May of this year.

Appearing at Magistrates Court, Smith, of Spring Benny Road, Somerset, denied he had falsely represented himself as the other Mr. Smith on May 19, 22 and 26 of this year in order to obtain money from bank tellers.

He was bailed for $1,000 and ordered to return to the court on February 22 at 2.30 p.m.