The financial controller of the four-star Danubius hotel, Nasser Ahmad (42) stole more than £110,000 over five years by letting friends and family stay there free, a court has heard.

Reportedly Ahmad found a way to hack into the computer system of the Regent’s Park, London hotel, which overlooks Lords Cricket Ground, and access an unmonitored “English Breakfast Account” to pay bills.

Ahmad, who also works for Tesco claimed to be the victim of a racist conspiracy at the hotel involving his colleagues.