A DELIVERY man accused of stealing massive amounts of cakes and pies from a bakery has changed his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial.

Paul Griffiths had denied 18 charges of theft and two of false accounting when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court. The initial amount involved was alleged to be £77,000.

But when the case re-opened, he admitted the false accounting and two charges of theft.

The remaining 16 theft charges are to lie on the file and will not be proceeded with unless the court gives permission.

On bail

Griffiths, aged 51, was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report.

Judge John Cavell, who heard the case, will sentence at Wolverhampton Crown Court on February 18.

The prosecution alleged that Griffiths falsified credit notes when delivering stock to Pershore Co-op from the Manor Bakery, West Bromwich.

Suspicious staff kept watch during two days in September and October last year when it was realised that receipts from the sales of bakery products fell far short of the sum paid to Manor Bakery.

Short delivery

On the second occasion, there should have been a delivery of 1,446 items but a check showed they were 890 short.

Mr Stephen Thomas, prosecuting, alleged that Griffiths, of Ferndown Close, Bloxwich, had created false documents to smooth his way for theft.

Police found £1,000 in £20 notes at his home and inspection of the bank account of Griffiths and his wife showed only £20 had been withdrawn in 16 months.

Griffiths denied dishonesty when seen by police and said his children had paid him cash for rent.