AN accountant has admitted swindling the company she worked for out of more than £23,000.

Patricia Ballard, 62, stole thousands of pounds from Stationery UK Ltd over a year-long period.

Ballard had been employed in the company’s accounts department and was one of a select few people who could make payments on behalf of the firm.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard checks were made after one of the directors noticed a problem with a payment to one of his other companies.

Gareth Hunter, prosecuting, said: “This is a serious breach of trust by someone in a significant position.

“She was employed as an assistant accountant and as such was in charge of all aspects of finance.

“After a director started to make checks following a late payment notice and it became clear payments had been made to the defendant’s own bank account.”

Ballard, of Winchester Road, Colchester, admitted theft of £23,375.24 by an employee.

Stationery UK is based in Feering and sells a range of office supplies and furniture.

Ballard will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court at the end of the month.

Chairman of the bench Don Wickes ordered a pre-sentence report be prepared and said the matter had to go up to crown court.

“This court does not have the jurisdiction to deal with the offence you have pleaded guilty to today,” he said.

“The offence is so serious that you need greater punishment than we can give.

“If you do not come back to court at the date and time directed then you will be committing a separate offence.

“You will also need to co-operate with the probation service to help find out more about you.”

Ballard was given unconditional bail.