THE FINANCE director of a firm that made Peppa Pig-themed soap will be sentenced on Friday for filing fraudulent invoices.

Bruce Cox, 62, had already pleaded guilty on a basis to defrauding Abingdon-based employers Kokomo by breaching a position of trust. The company makes themed toiletries under licence, with Paddington Bear toothbrushes and Peppa Pig soap among their products.

Prosecutors said the former finance director put in 27 false invoices between July 2018 and October 2019, allegedly worth around £800,000.

Cox, who has no previous convictions, admitted to committing the fraud over a shorter period and challenged the Crown’s claim that all the invoices were fraudulent.

On Tuesday morning, Oxford Crown Court heard that following discussions between the prosecution and defence, the basis on which Cox should be sentenced had been agreed.

Judge Ian Pringle QC fixed Cox’s sentence for Friday, April 22.

Cox, of Idmiston, near Salisbury, attended court via video link. Adam Pearson appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Jonathan Underhill represented Cox.

Last year, when the case was adjourned for consideration of the defendant’s basis of plea, the judge then dealing with it, Judge Tom Rochford, warned Cox: “This is a case involving a large sum and a prison sentence of some length, I am afraid, is the inevitable outcome.”  

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.