A DIY store boss who plundered tens of thousands of pounds has been warned he is facing a jail term.

Eamonn Burns, 31, siphoned more than £50,000 from the tills at Wickes, where he was a manager, during 2015.

Burns, of Webbs Wood, Peatmoor, pleaded guilty to one count of theft when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

Rob Ross, defending, said that prosecutors alleged he had taken more than £70,000 but they only accepted that it was in the region of £56,000.

He asked for the case to be adjourned so the probation service can compile a pre-sentence report.

Releasing him on bail Recorder Tim Grice said: “You have heard what has happened and I am sure you have discussed it with Mr Ross.

“This matter will be back before the court on October 21 when the court will have a pre-sentence report which I am ordering so the court will know more about you.

“Clearly having regard to the level of the offence the court will be looking at all options.

“You shouldn’t assume because I have ordered a report you will be getting any type of sentence rather than another.”