A MAN accused of plotting to steal £102,000 worth of Pirelli tyres has denied wrongdoing. 

Graham Wait, 57, has denied one allegation of conspiring with Mark Claxton to steal from Pirelli Tyres UK and is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

Giving evidence on day two of the trial, Wait said he was a wagon driver at the time for a Scottish delivery firm. 

He would collect a trailer laden with tyres - including those made by Pirelli - from a DHL distribution depot in Carlisle. 

But after one particular shift, Wait became aware 20 "surplus" tyres he knew nothing about had been taken from his trailer. 

Inquiries were made with Pirelli and DHL but it was claimed both responded: "We don't make mistakes." 

Wait said Mr Claxton, a shift supervisor at the Carlisle DHL site, next to Pirelli, then told him he had "spare" tyres available. 

A buyer was found and Wait agreed to transport "spares" from Carlisle to Scotland for sale on eBay. 

Mr Claxton, who has admitted the conspiracy charge, was paid £40 a tyre. 

Wait said he received £500 for each set of four from the eBay seller. 

Asked whether he thought he was acting dishonestly, Wait, of Mill Road, Bathgate, replied: "No. He (Mr Claxton) said they were all spare tyres and kosher." 

The trial continues.