A leading barrister faces a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to stealing £81,500 from his own Manchester chambers.

David Friesner, 46, of Bury New Road, Prestwich, admitted a single count of theft from 9 St John Street Chambers, where he was deputy head.

Mr Friesner is an expert in fraud and money-laundering law. Mr Justice Singh, a High Court judge sitting at Leeds Crown Court to hear the case, warned Friesner that he faced a lengthy jail term, but granted unconditional bail before his sentencing on February 10.