A MAN claimed he and a friend found a tin containing about £10,000 hidden in woods, a court heard.

Benjamin Craig Robson was being questioned by police about £4,400 in his possession when a tin containing a further £4,980 came to light.

Durham Crown Court was told that Robson, 26, explained it away by saying he and another man found the tin in woods at South Church, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Questioned further, he said they oversaw a "dodgy character" messing around near a tree. When he left, they examined the area and found the tin, containing about £10,000, which they shared.

Robson, 26, of Lancaster Close, Bishop Auckland, previously denied concealing, disguising, converting, or transferring criminal property, namely £4,980.

But he changed his plea to guilty when the charge was put to him again, yesterday.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the guilty plea triggered a Proceeds of Crime Act inquiry into Robson's possessions and finances.

Judge Michael Taylor adjourned the hearing, pending preparation of pre-sentence reports on Robson, who was also ordered to co-operate with the Proceeds of Crime inquiry.

He told Robson: "I'll renew your bail, but I'll make no promises about your ultimate sentence.

"You must realise that a custodial sentence is almost inevitable in this case."

Robson will be sentenced by Judge Taylor at Teesside Crown Court in the week of September 5.