SUPERMARKET manager Gary Thistlewhite stole £5,000 from his employers, a court heard yesterday.

Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates that Thistlewhite, 36, had been guilty of a significant breach of trust.

He took the cash from a Harrogate branch of the Jackson's store chain, where he was deputy manager.

Thistlewhite, of Sycamore Drive, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to theft.

Mrs Waite said he was convicted of a similar offence two years ago when York Crown Court sentenced him to 140 hours of community punishment.

Geoffrey Boothby, mitigating, said a psychiatric report was being obtained and court chairman David Gravells called for probation reports to be prepared as well.

He bailed Thistlewhite until January 5 and warned him that all sentencing options would be considered, including prison.