The owner of Gala Bingo Hall in Kingston is to face a Crown Court trial on charges of altering the grade II-listed building, after magistrates declined jurisdiction.

Franco Lumba, 44, who lives in St Margarets Road, Twickenham, was not at the preliminary hearing at Richmond Magistrates’ Court on April 10.

His defence counsel, Neville Gray, told the court he was in hospital for an eye operation.

Kingston Council’s legal representative, Miss Saima Khan, outlined the charges against Mr Lumba and his company, FL Trading Limited, of which Mr Lumba is the sole director and shareholder.

Both Mr Lumba, who also owns Essence nightclub under Kingston Bridge and the Vanilla Bar in Windsor, and FL Trading Limited have indicated they will deny the charge.

He is accused of altering the listed building, a former Regal Cinema, some time between August 24 and October 26, 2010.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case after deciding that, if Mr Lumba was found guilty, their sentencing powers may not be sufficient.

Magistrates have the power to impose a maximum prison sentence of up to six months, a £20,000 fine, or both in listed building cases.

Crown Courts have stronger powers to send someone to prison for up to two years in the most extreme circumstances and impose an unlimited fine.

The case will be formally committed to Crown Court on May 8 at Richmond Magistrates’ Court, when pleas will be taken.