A supervisor with Black Country bathroom giants Aqualux was part of a gang that stole thousands of pounds worth of equipment from its warehouse, a court heard.

Rob Witton, aged 38, is alleged to have been part of a conspiracy in which a van would be loaded up and driven off with fittings.

Mr Darren Whitehead, prosecuting, said that towards the end of 2008, directors at Aqualux became concerned that stock was going missing from the Darlaston warehouse, on Steelmans Road.

Aqualux’s financial director Neil Gore told Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday that the company lost £99,000 worth of stock between 2008/9 – several thousands of pounds more than would be normally lost through breakages and returned goods.

Their investigations identified a white Mercedes sprinter van registered to a Darshan Chand, who has admitted his role in the conspiracy.

It had been to the depot 35 times over a period of several months, usually when Mr Witton was on duty, it was alleged.

Witton worked within the despatch department, authorising stock to be released.

On the evening of January 13 last year, the van arrived at Aqualux and within eight minutes tried to leave. When it was stopped, it was found to have been loaded with bath screens and other items with a retail value of £5,000.

Forklift truck driver Inderjit Sarai, who was said to be close to Witton, has also admitted his role in the conspiracy.

Mr Whitehead said: “Property has been stolen from Aqualux which he had no right to take. He (Witton) has taken that property, involved with two other men, who had different roles.”

Witton, of Unit Street, Chuckery, Walsall, denies conspiracy to steal bathroom fittings.

The trial continues.