A worker stole £16,000 of precision equipment from his hi-tech chemical company employers and posed as a scientist to sell it, a court was told.

Northampton Crown Court heard that Peter Wilson, 38, of High Street, Milton, near Abingdon, stole equipment belonging to Oxford Asymmetry International.

He then allegedly sold it to another company for a knock-down price, pretending he was a scientist from the fictional firm Oracle Organics.

The prosecution claims Wilson hoped the confidential nature of OAI's work would prevent his bosses calling in the police once the theft was discovered.

Wilson, who denies a charge of theft, also allegedly claimed he was forced to take part in the plot by another man because he was facing financial troubles.

Tim Ashmole, prosecuting, told the court: "When interviewed by police the defendant said he had stolen a significant amount of scientific equipment - and he also conceded he had sold that equipment on.

"The equipment was worth £16,000 and it was sold for just over £5,000.

"He said the reason he did this was because he was facing severe financial difficulties.

"He also claims he was acting under duress, although when he was first interviewed by police he made no mention of this."

Mr Ashmole added: "When he sold the equipment he posed as Dr Peter O'Shaunessy. There are two lies there. His name is not O'Shaunessy and he is not a doctor.

"It must be asked why he would do such a thing if he was acting under duress."

The court heard that between August and October 1999, Wilson took hi-tech equipment including vacuum pumps, precision scales and an ultrasonic bath from OAI's base at Milton Park, Abingdon.

He then contacted a firm called Severn Sales and, posing as Dr O'Shaunessy, offered the items for sale for about £5,000.

The plot was discovered when OAI management found an Internet website belonging to Oracle Organics.

Wilson was then called to a meeting with Martin Melvin, OAI's personnel manager.

Mr Melvin told the court that Wilson admitted he had been taking stock and selling it through Oracle Organics. He said Wilson had apologised for what had happened.

Mr Melvin denied putting pressure on Wilson not to talk to the police, but added that he was concerned about protecting the confidentiality of OAI's clients.

The case continues.