A MAN has admitted tipping off burglars who took £6,100 in takings and a large amount of stock from a small store.

Broom Mini Market, in Conyers Terrace, Ferryhill, County Durham, was forcibly entered overnight on November 7 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard yesterday that £5,400 was taken from a safe and £700 from a cash bag, while the haul also included 198 DVDs, 80 scratch cards, and a quantity of tobacco, alcohol and batteries.

Paul Tate, 35, of Watt Street, Ferryhill, who previously denied burglary, changed his plea to guilty yesterday, but on the basis he did not carry out the offence himself.

Tom Mitchell, in mitigation, said: "He would say he did not actually enter the premises. But, he knew full well what was going to happen.

"He gave information to those who did do the burglary.

"He's liable to conviction as an aider and abetter."

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said: "There was a burglary, cash was taken from the safe and money was found in his house."

Judge Tim Hewitt adjourned the hearing.

He told Mr Mitchell: "Why should the Crown accept that rather than his first or second account?

"The Crown has the right to consider this and make whatever representations they may need to make."

Judge Hewitt adjourned the case until March 2 and remanded Tate in custody.