A former trainee solicitor confessed to "abusing his position" to steal more than £100,000 across a staggering array of fraudulent transactions.

Tauseef Sadeeq, 30, was working for Bolton-based Jacob Miller Solicitors between February 2020 and March 2021 when he began falsely paying money belonging to other companies to himself.

Brought before Bolton Crown Court this week, he pleaded guilty to a total of 20 counts of fraud by abuse of position and will be brought back before a judge later this year to learn his fate.

Oliver Jarvis, defending, said: “The only issue that will be discussed between us between now and his sentencing is how much he has paid back.”

He added: “Enquiries will be made in that regard.”

Sadeeq, of Cawdor Court, Farnworth, admitted to defrauding clients including Axa Insurance, Sedgwick International, Countrywide Accident, All Quote Me Happy, Markerstudy Insurance and several others.

All together he falsely claimed for a total of £100,437.13 across 20 separate incidents.

Mr Jarvis said that he had received some information about how Sadeeq may have since paid some of the money back but asked that a report be prepared before the court move forward for sentencing.

Colin Buckle, prosecuting, agreed that he would prepare his case for a later date, including with details about how much had been paid back.

He will also put a more detailed defence to the court about Sadeeq’s actions.

Judge Tom Gilbart agreed that Sadeeq will be brought back next to court next week to allow both Mr Jarvis and Mr Buckle to prepare their cases before the former solicitor learns his fate.

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Addressing the defendant, Judge Gilbart said: “You’ve admitted to these 20 counts and you are going to be sentenced for what you did.

“These are very serious matters to which you’ve pleaded guilty and immediate custody will be at the forefront of the court’s mind.”

He added: “That being said, the fact that I am adjourning this case is no indication of the course that the court will take.

“All options will be open to the court.”

Judge Gilbart fixed a date for Sadeeq’s sentencing on March 15 this year.