A FINANCIAL controller accused of stealing about £100,000 from a taxi company has pleaded guilty to embezzling cash.

Amanda Williams is accused of pocketing money from the firm over a three-year period ending late last year.

But, while the 47-year-old accepted stealing thousands of pounds from Millennium Mini Cabs, she says she only took a fraction of the £100,000 she is accused of pinching.

Williams, of Stoneybeck Close, Westlea, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from the company between September 1, 2001, and November 12, 2003.

But the hearing at Swindon Crown Court was told that the case would have to be adjourned so that a special hearing of fact could decide the truth.

David Martin, prosecuting, told the hearing: "There has been a basis of plea submitted and that is not acceptable to the Crown.

"That plea accepts she took substantially less than the Crown thinks can be proved,"

"A sum approaching £100,000 was mentioned in the court below which is why it came to this court."

He added: "She was company financial controller at Millennium Mini Cabs."

It is thought that she has accepted stealing a sum in the region of £8,000 to £10,000 over the three-year period.

The case was put off for a hearing before a judge to decide the amount stolen by Williams and she was given unconditional bail.

Recorder Tim Grice told her: "You have heard what went on today. There has got to be more investigation into the whole background of this case."

Owner of Millennium Cabs, Ed Adams, said: "It is not just the money going that is upsetting. I regarded that person as a friend. It is much worse to be stabbed in the back by someone you know than a complete stranger.

"I am a victim of crime but I have to come to terms with what has happened.

"This didn't help me mentally or financially.

"It certainly didn't help my business."

Barri Hudson