A PLUMBER committed a gross breach of trust when he stole nearly £29,000 worth of kit from the Worcester company where he worked before selling the equipment on for cash.

Nicholas Taylor of Bramble lose, Malvern admitted theft by an employee when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester today.

The 50-year-old admitted that he stole £28,919.57 of plumbing and heating equipment from Wolseley UK in Worcester between March 30, 2018 and July 21 last year. He had worked there for 16 years, the court heard.

Wolseley Worcester, formerly Plumb Center, specialises in plumbing, heating, drainage and parts.

The defendant confirmed his name, address and date of birth before he indicated a guilty plea.

Paul O’Keefe, prosecuting, said the case was too serious for a summary disposal at the magistrates court and asked that it be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court.

“This was a breach of trust matter” he said.

The prosecutor told magistrates that Taylor had worked for the company for 16 years and became a team leader, responsible for 40 staff. He said after Taylor had stolen the goods they were 'subsequently sold on'.

Within the sentencing guidelines the offence, identified as category 2A, has a starting point of two years in custody, he said.

Nick Roberts, defending, said he concurred that the offence was too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates court.

The case was committed to Worcester Crown Court where it will next be heard on October 23.

Taylor was granted unconditional bail in the meantime.