An assistant manager of a Primark store has admitted stealing hundreds of pounds from the company. 

Felix Ogunleye was working at the store in High Road, Ilford, when he decided to issue refunds in excess of £500 to himself between Christmas Eve and January. 

Store bosses became suspicious of the 37-year-old after a high number of transactions were registered under his unique employee number that took place after the store had closed.

An internal investigation was launched by Primark bosses and Ogunleye resigned from his post the day after being interviewed by management in January. 

He was later arrested on suspicion of theft by employee at his home address in Ballards Road, Dagenham, on March 20, and charged the same day. 

He pocketed the money by carrying out the transactions using electronic copies of receipts on a customer service till. 

Ogunleye pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft by employee at Barkingside Magistrates Court on April 8. 

Investigating officer, PC Sam Burrows, said: "Ogunleye was employed as an assistant manager which placed him in a position of trust.

"He abused this position on a number of occasions with no regard for company policy or the repercussions. 

"He pocketed over £500 as a result of his dishonesty and may have been doing so for some time. The investigation will be continued due to more evidence coming to light."

Ogunleye will be sentenced at the same court on April 28.