THE manager of a York frozen food store stole more than £12,000 from her employers over nine months, York magistrates heard.

Senior staff at Farm Foods Ltd only learned the truth when they suggested that Georgina George, 40, leave its store in Front Street, Acomb, and move to a different post within the company.

Steven Ovenden, prosecuting, said: "She was not happy about that. She told the area manager at that point she had taken money over a period of months to the amount of £12,000."

George, of Johnstone Street, Selby, pleaded guilty to stealing £12,109 from Farm Foods Ltd between January 1 and September 14.

Magistrates sent her to York Crown Court for sentence. They released her on unconditional bail and told her she will be sentenced in the week starting October 28.

Defence solicitor Keith Haggerty did not oppose the prosecution's submission that the case was too serious for magistrates to deal with because it involved a breach of trust.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, October 03, 2002