A Wolseley branch manager has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the company to pay his mortgage.

Mark Estcourt, 34, manager of Plumb Center in Feeder Road for eight years, stole £2,620 intending to pay it back later.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Estcourt stole the money "because he was badly in debt and behind on mortgage payments". He was immediately suspended from his job before ultimately being dismissed.

According to the defence, Rodney Wilson, the day after Estcourt's admission before Bristol magistrates, his mother wrote a cheque to reimburse the company.

Sentencing has been adjourned until 9 November for the cheque to be paid and cleared.

Estcourt has been released on unconditional bail.

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