An estate agent employee has appeared in court, admitting stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds from her bosses over a ten-year period.

The question is how much she actually stole, as she awaits sentencing.

Angela Clift, who made her first appearance before a crown court judge for a preliminary hearing, pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

However, the defence and prosecution have yet to agree how much was stolen from north east firm Keith Pattinson Estate Agents.

Clift claims she stole some £300,000 but the prosecution puts the sum at nearer £400,000.

Newcastle Crown Court heard she put the money into her own bank accounts between October 31, 2005, and last June 1.

Judge Edward Bindloss adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and for the prosecution and defence and agree on how much Clift stole.

He said: “You have pleaded guilty at this early stage and, in due course, you will receive credit for that guilty plea.”

Clift was granted bail and is due to be sentenced on March 10. The judge said of the sentencing that all options were open.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/west-denton-estate-agent-worker-10750889