A COUNCIL bailiff is facing a prison sentence after he admitted stealing £7,000 from his employers over a five-year period.

Stephen Jones, 52, of Russell Street, Dewsbury, pleaded guilty to three offences of theft and five of false accounting when he appeared before a judge at Bradford Crown Court yesterday .

Jones admitted stealing money belonging to Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council and falsifying entries in a receipt book.

In addition to the charges on the indictment Jones also asked for a further theft matter covering the period between January 2004 and January 2009 to be taken into consideration.

His barrister Martin Robertshaw confirmed to Judge Roger Scott that the total amount involved was approximately £7,000.

Judge Scott adjourned Jones’ sentence hearing until October 2.

But he warned him that he faced a prison sentence.

“'There are guideline cases about theft from employers and £7,000 is a difficult amount of money from the guidelines point of view,” said Judge Scott.

“Although custody is certainly the favourite it is not set in stone.”

Jones was granted bail until his case is sentenced next month.