A FORMER employee of Bhs in Darlington admitted stealing from the store when he appeared before South Durham Magistrates yesterday.

Ian Sandiford, of Stockton Road, Darlington, admitted stealing £140 and faking refund receipts.

He was caught after managers at the store in Northgate, Darlington, noticed funds were missing from the till and launched a surveillance operation. The court heard they used video cameras as part of the covert operation.

Sandiford, who suffers from severe back problems, had worked at the store for four years as a till operator, before he was accused of theft. He was in financial difficulties at the time of the thefts, magistrates were told.

The case was adjourned for reports until April 17.