AN imitation firearm was used in a £10,000 robbery at a valleys recycling company, a court heard.

David John Adams, 44, was told that he faces a "lengthy period of custody" after admitting charges of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Adams, of no fixed abode, appeared at Newport Crown Court, after robbing Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Crumlin-based company GJK Recycling of £10,000 on March 12.

Adams was charged with the offences along with Martin Phillip Tuft, 53, of Glebe Street, Newport.

Tuft appeared with Adams, but did not enter a plea, with his barrister David Aubrey making an application that charges against him be dismissed. This application will be heard on June 18.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said Adams cannot be sentenced until this matter is resolved, but added he faces "a lengthy period of custody".