The man accused of with stealing instruments belonging to the New Zealand Army Band just before it was due to play at an Anzac dawn service has denied the theft.
Wade Jeffs, 35, pleaded not guilty to three charges at Christchurch District Court and will be tried in early May.
Mr Jeffs is accused of stealing a bag containing a cornet and a trumpet worth $10,000 about 5.30am on Thursday.
Police arrested him a short time later in Hagley Park and returned the instruments in time for the service.
