A MAN admitted to stealing thousands of pounds worth of tobacco products from a Co-operative store.

Dean Croft, 45, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with theft by employee.

Croft pleaded guilty during a hearing today, Friday, June 11.

Croft, of Dunedin Street, Thatto Heath admitted to the charge of stealing tobacco products to the value of £12,717.21, belonging to the Co-operative on Elton Head Road between April 27 and May 24 last year.

He will appear back at the court on Thursday, July 15 to be sentenced.

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Judge Stuart Driver QC said to Croft: "I am adjourning your case with you on bail and ordering a pre-sentence report.

"You will be sentenced on July 15. All sentencing options are open."

Meanwhile co-defendant Gemma Singleton, 34, also of Dunedin Street, Thatto Heath pleaded not guilty to stealing tobacco products from the premises on Elton Head Road on April 28 last year.

The case against her was dropped and a not guilty verdict delivered.