Two admit Westhill hotel robbery

Police were called to the scene of the robbery in April

A "trusted" manager has admitted helping to stage a robbery at the hotel where he worked in Aberdeenshire.

Neil Riddell, 40, and his accomplice Aaron Elder, 34, admitted assault and robbery after an incident at the Holiday Inn in Westhill in April.

Several thousand pounds were taken in the raid.

Sentence was deferred on both Aberdeen men for reports, at the city's sheriff court on Thursday. Grampian Police hailed good detective work.

Det Insp Martin Dunn said: "This was a distressing experience for the staff member involved, who was tied up and intimidated.

"Riddell was a trusted member of staff and breached that trust for his own personal gain, while Elder was a willing accomplice.

"The arrests were made as a result of good, determined police work and we are glad we were able to bring this case to such a speedy conclusion."

Riddell was bailed but Elder was remanded in custody.