A FORMER staff member at a west Cumbrian school has admitted stealing toner worth more than £117,000 during a six-year period.

Wayne David Raymond Collins admitted stealing the toner before magistrates during his first appearance.

The offending took place between January 21 2013 and February 23 2019, the court heard.

He took the toner while he was employed as a staff member at St Benedict’s Catholic High School on Red Lonning in Whitehaven.

Collins, of Blake Close, also in Whitehaven, admitted the charge of theft by an employee at Workington’s magistrates’ court.

The total value of the toner taken was £117,994.02.

The 34-year-old was granted unconditional bail by the court ahead of being sentenced next month.

He will be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on January 29 for the offence.

Collins was represented during the short hearing by defence solicitor Sean Harkin.

Leading the bench was presiding magistrate Miss Simpson.