A chef has been convicted of stealing £3,911 from the diner he worked at after initially falsely accusing another member of staff of the crime.

Sabri Benhamada, whose age was not given in court, of Shore Road, in Port Erin admitted two counts of theft.

He also gave an indication that he would plead guilty to an offence of perverting the course of justice, which can only be heard at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

He will be committed to the higher court on July 12.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told magistrates how, on May 8, police were called to Mustang Sally in Castletown after a report of a theft.

Police spoke to Benhamada, who was the chef, and he told them that only one other man had keys.

The other man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of the thefts.

However, on June 3, Benhamada spoke to the owner of the diner and admitted that he had falsely accused the other man and that he himself had taken the money.

In a police interview, Benhamada handed in a prepared statement admitting the offences.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood told Thursday’s court that there would be no bail application and that his client had indicated a likely guilty plea to the perverting the course of justice charge.

He was remanded in custody.