Butler stole hotel chief's car

The Butler to the millionaire chairman of the Thistle Hotel Group has admitted stealing his master's £56,000 Bentley Turbo motorcar.

Percival Hole, 49, also admitted stealing £3,500 in cash while Rodney Price was on holiday with his wife in Australia between January and February of this year.

Hole, of St Lawrence Quay, Salford Quay, Salford, Manchester, was remanded in custody for pre-sentence and medical reports.

Three further theft charges will not be proceeded with following Hole's guilty pleas at the Old Bailey. He admitted stealing the luxury car, which he sold for £56,000 on 22 January 1997, and £3,500 in cash on 12 February 1997.

Widowed Hole, who was recruited by the couple in October 1995, worked at their Belgravia Square home in central London.

Judge David Elfer QC adjourned sentence until 22 July telling the butler "we will meet again in a month's time".