Martin Keys, 32, a former shift manager at the warehouse in Bicester was convicted of theft, attempted theft and conspiracy to steal.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £134,990 to his former employers.

The money will come from a house, car, shares and other property he bought with his ill-gotten gains.

During the 11-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court, jury members heard that the chocolate weighed more than 300 tons.

Gloucester Crown Court heard that Keys showered his girlfriend with gifts

Eight lorry loads of chocolate worth approximately £70,000 each had been driven away from the Tibbett and Britten warehouse.

Keys, from Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, then used his knowledge of the computer system at the warehouse to cover up the thefts.

Keys had attempted to explain away the large quantities of cash that had suddenly appeared in his bank account as the result of a bizarre investment scheme.

He claimed that he simply left cash in the boot of his car and contacts who he could not name took it away and returned with ever larger quantities of money.

His part in the crime came to light as he started making large cash purchases.

'Overcome by greed'

His girlfriend Emma Smiley was cleared of money laundering charges.

Her defence counsel Terry Munyard said she had accepted that her boyfriend was "worldly wise" and had made some money before he met her.

Mr Munyard said Keys had "wooed" Ms Smiley with presents, expensive meals, flowers and - of course - chocolates.

Sentencing, Judge John Neligan said: "It is clear to me that you were overcome by greed and a desire to be the centre of attention."

The judge said Keys had profited from his crimes to the tune of about £156,000 and had used the money to "maintain a flash and extravagant lifestyle" which included an expensive Caribbean holiday with girlfriend.