Local lawyer and ex-politician Julian Hall yesterday pleaded not guilty during the arraignments session in Supreme Court to stealing a total of $551,044.07.

It is alleged that between November 8, 1995 and February 20, 1996 Hall stole more than a half million dollars from widow Betty Loraine McMahon.

Hall of Foothills Road, Devonshire, was charged with five counts of stealing.

It is alleged that he stole $250,000 on November 8, 1995, $175,702.71 on November 20, 1995, $40,000 on January 8, 1996, $45,180.72 on January 24, 1996 and $40,160.64 on February 20, 1996.

Chief Justice Austin Ward extended Hall's bail and set a mention date for October 1. Hall was represented by lawyer Delroy Duncan.