DEVIZES Round Tabler Stephen Johnstone pilfered cash and stone from his employer, a jury at Swindon Crown Court was told. The 42-year-old was yard manager for Holley Hextall Ltd at Heddington Wick, near Bromham.

Also in court were fellow Round Tablers James Bodman and Vernon Guerri-Buckland.

Bodman, 40, of Worton, is standing trial for handling stolen paving slabs, terracotta tiles and a granite worktop and Guerri-Buckland, 43, of Parkfields, Devizes, for stealing paving stones.

Terence Holley, the owner of the stone company said he took on Johnstone late in the summer of 2000 but soon after Johnstone started abusing expenses.

He said Johnstone, of Escourt Crescent, Devizes, used company accounts to buy clothing and a weekend away in Wales for him and his wife. He became concerned something was wrong at the yard.

He said the company did little local trade, but still took about £800 a week from walk-in sales. But that side of the business had dried up.

When private eye David Ormstone said he wanted some crazy paving Mr Holley asked him if he would go to the yard and buy it with cash.

The court was told that Mr Ormstone marked the £360 in £20 notes he used to buy the stone with marker pen. When the money wasn't declared and no invoice made out Johnstone was suspended.

Johnstone later asked for a meeting. In a drawer in the office was a cash box, which Mr Holley said was not there the previous day, and Johnstone produced a key to open it. Inside the box was £320 in unmarked notes.

Johnstone denies nine counts of theft.

The case continues.