The theft of cash from the partners of the Rosedean Surgery at Liskeard was admitted by 51-year-old Richard Matthews at Truro Crown Court on Wednesday.

Matthews, of Carwinton Terrace, Liskeard, the former practice manager, was originally accused of having stolen £95,000 between March 29, 2004, and August 1, 2007, but Judge Nicholas Vincent granted an application by prosecutor Philip Lee to omit the figure, which he explained was inaccurate and subject to further discussion.

After defence counsel Joanna Martin had pointed out that there was further work to be done relating to compensation and confiscation proceedings, the Judge adjourned the hearing until March 24 and granted Matthews unconditional bail in the meantime.