A manager stole $150,000 worth of competition prizes from one of the Island's main distribution companies, a court heard.

Marc Paul Breithaupt, 36, pleaded guilty on Friday to eight counts of theft from BGA (Bermuda General Agency) Wholesale Distributor.

Magistrates' Court heard he embezzled prizes intended for promotional competitions and raffles throughout the course of last year.

This included: Cartier bracelets worth $8,330; diamond earrings worth $13,000; a $5,200 motorcycle; a $5,919 Vespa GTS 125 motorcycle; a $5,000 C Travel gift certificate; $2,000 CableVision gift certificate; $1,000 Cycle Care gift certificate; and golf vouchers worth $4,000.

The court heard Breithaupt, an employee of five years, was responsible for BGA's competitions and prize giveaways, as well as manager of the Proctor and Gamble line of products.

Crown counsel Larissa Burgess said the Canadian expat was caught out after CEO John Tomlinson discovered a motorcycle had been licensed and insured prior to being entered into a competition.

He asked for an audit of promotions over the course of the year. And when Breithaupt produced the list, he admitted stealing $46,707 worth of prizes.

He promised to refund the money, but then left the Island with his wife and child.

Earlier this month he returned voluntarily and produced another spreadsheet for the company, detailing $149,652 worth of stolen goods.

Breithaupt was arrested on Wednesday. He was charged with stealing $34,447 worth of property, with theft of another $102,086 to be taken into consideration.

Among the prizes found at his house in St. George's were a Gibson guitar and a pair of diamond earrings.

Defence lawyer Stephen Notman on Friday described Breithaupt as a man of "previous good character". He said the defendant was willing to reimburse BGA with the full value of the prizes.

"He admitted to the Police that when he had been caught, he did panic momentarily and did leave the Island with his wife and child. But he then contacted his employer to make an offer of full restitution of the items stolen," said Mr. Notman.

"His employer invited him to return to the Island and face the music, which he did. He came back and since then Mr. Breithaupt has been working very closely with them, giving them lists of all the items stolen, account details and money, and attempting to make full restitution."

He added Breithaupt was even helping to train his successor at the company.

"Although there's no excuse for what he's done, he is making a full effort," said Mr. Notman.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner adjourned sentencing until March 12 and remanded Breithaupt in custody, warning him he may face a custodial sentence.