A MAN sacked from an Ipswich hotel raided his employer's home to get revenge, a court has been told.But Mark Crawford, who was fired from his job at the Chequers Hotel, denies burgling Ruby Bale's home in Clarkson Street, where he had also visited to do some work for the hotel-owner.

A MAN sacked from an Ipswich hotel raided his employer's home to get revenge, a court has been told.

But Mark Crawford, who was fired from his job at the Chequers Hotel, denies burgling Ruby Bale's home in Clarkson Street, where he had also visited to do some work for the hotel-owner.

Ipswich Crown Court heard yesterday that a video recorder, digital camera, a Kenwood amplifier and CD player were taken in the raid.

Crawford, 40, of Willoughby Road, said he did not burgle the house but admitted taking the stolen amplifier to Cash Converters in Tacket Street the day after the burglary.

He pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and to attempting to obtain money from Cash Converters by deception.

The jury heard that Crawford initially told police the amplifier, which had a damaged button identical to Miss Bale's, was his "old one". He then said a man had asked him to sell it on his behalf.

Jonathan Seeley, prosecuting, said: "Miss Bale will tell you the defendant had been recently employed by her and he had been fired. We say he had a motive, he had a potential grievance."

The trial continues.