A credit controller stole £3,906 from her Oxford employer by exploiting defects in the company's accounting system, a court heard.

Leanne Davies, 27, of Acacia Avenue, Greater Leys, Oxford, took the money from Johnsons Buildbase in seven instalments, Oxford Crown Court was told.

David Bright, prosecuting, said staff and customers handed Davies money to pay off credit on their accounts but she pocketed the cash without completing a paying-in slip.

Because of flaws in the accounting system, nothing was noticed for some time.

He said suspicion arose after a customer paid Davies £1,800.

But a fellow credit controller could find no record that the customer's payment had been made.

A check of all Johnsons Buildbase outlets later revealed irregularities at the Watlington Road branch.

Davies denies seven charges of theft between November 2001 and January 2002.

The trial continues.