THE manager of Wetherspoons in Accrington made up a story about his daughter being involved in a car crash after he had pocketed £8,500 in takings.

Blackburn magistrates heard in reality Phillip Gary Barlow, known as Phil to his friends, had jetted off to Thailand where he blew the bulk of the cash.

The court was told Barlow was arrested as he flew back into Manchester Airport and was found to still have £2,000 in cash.

Barlow, 52, of Newchurch Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of cash from the Commercial Hotel. He was committed on bail to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court in January 29.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Barlow had taken the takings of £4,320 from October 27 and £4,180 from the following day.

The thefts came to light when the security company came to collect the takings and Barlow hadn't turned in for work on October 30.

"An audit and CCTV showed he was responsible," said Mrs Yates.

Ben Leach, defending, said Barlow had worked for the company as a manager for a number of years. Two years ago he was involved in a robbery as he was cashing up.

"He believed he was dealing with that nasty incident quite well but a short time before this matter there was an incident when he was threatened by a man with a broken bottle," said Mr Leach. "That had brought fears back to the forefront of his mind and he has reacted in a strange way."

Mr Leach said Barlow made up a story to his partner of eight years, Karen Kinley, and then flew to Thailand.

Ms Kinley, 51, who spoke exclusively to the Lancashire Telegraph shortly after the theft, pleaded for Barlow to come home.

During the time he was missing, she said she tried everything she could to get in contact with him including posting in a variety of social media groups and contacting Bangkok Police.

Miss Kinley said her partner had been working at The Commercial Hotel for around three months after transferring from another Wetherspoons pub, The Postal Order in Blackburn, where he had been working for almost 18 months.

"He came back to face the music and fully expects to be punished," said Mr Leach.

He said the offences had not been pre-meditated.

"His former employers say this was probably the worst weekend he could have chosen, takings wise," said Mr Leach. "Had he waited until the Christmas period there would have been a lot more money which supports his claim the offence was not planned."

The Commercial, which is located on Church Street, was known as The Regency Hotel before it was taken over by Wetherspoons in 2011.