A bookkeeper stole more than £660,000 from the family firm he had served for 30 years - causing it to go bust.

Bharat Suchak transferred the money from the Belgrave firm into his own bank account.

The 65-year-old, of Silverstone Drive, Rushey Mead, Leicester appeared at Leicester Crown Court today to be sentenced.

He had admitted three counts of fraud by abuse of position at a hearing earlier this year.

Leicestershire Police released details of the case.

The force said its investigation established that large sums of money were transferred into Suchak’s bank account from accounts owned by the firm.

It said Suchak was employed by the family business as a bookkeeper for around 30 years and during that time he moved approximately £662,000 into his own bank accounts.

Financial Investigator Nicole McIntyre, of the force's economic crime unit, led the investigation.

She said the victims had been in business for 40 years.

She said: "Following the incident the business has gone into liquidation due to the financial loss it’s suffered at the hands of Suchak.

 “The victims trusted Suchak and felt he was a loyal employee. He abused his position and the victims’ good nature.

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, money was transferred over a period of time using fraudulent transactions so it didn’t arouse suspicion.  

“We are pleased that he has pleaded guilty to the offences and we hope the time he will now spend in prison will give him the time to reflect on his crimes and the consequences his actions had had on him, his family, the victims and the wider community.”