Brian Goetz, 34, appeared in court from custody yesterday charged with forcing open a safe and stealing the money.

The early hours raid on 29 November sparked an intensive CID operation and an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Police told the Telegraph at the time how a hooded intruder had entered using a key before making off with thousands of pounds worth of coins.

The charge against accused Goetz alleges that he forced open a lockfast safe within the Aldi store using the ‘true key’ and stole £13,560, or thereby, of money.

He yesterday pleaded not guilty to the allegation through his defence lawyer Frank McConnachie.

Bearded Goetz, wearing a blue top, earlier confirmed his name as he appeared in handcuffs before Sheriff Robert Vaughan. Detectives said last November that they were following a positive line of inquiry. They described the intruder as being hooded and wearing dark clothes, gloves and trainers with a shiny toe.

It is understood that some stolen money was retrieved in the vicinity of Aldi’s Patrick Street store.

Revellers at nearby nightclub Word Up were urged to come forward if they had spotted any unusual activity at around 2.50am on 29 November.

Solicitor Mr McConnachie moved for Goetz to be granted bail, which was unopposed by the Crown.

Sheriff Vaughan granted him his liberty on condition that he remains outwith the curtilage of the supermarket.

Goetz, of South Street in Greenock, is due back in court on 1 September.

A trial date has been set for 28 September.