A THIEF accused of stealing thousands of pounds from his employer has admitted carrying out the offence.

Christian Whitton, of Overdale Close, Oxford, was set to stand trial for the single count of theft by employee but in a last minute change of heart he pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

The 45-year old stole between £12,000 ad £13,000 between January 1 2016 and September 1 2017.

He took the money from his sole victim Patricia Wallis.

After the plea had been entered his defence barrister Lyall Thompson asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared ahead of the sentencing hearing.

Judge Maria Lamb, presiding, agreed that the National Probation Service should complete a report on Whitton so that all sentencing options could be explored.

The Judge warned, however, that adjourning the case for a report was 'no indication' of what type of sentence she will impose.

Whitton was released on police bail to await his sentencing hearing, which will take place at the same court on February 18.

While no future proceeds of crime hearing was set the court decided this would be determined at the sentencing hearing whether a hearing to recover the ill-gotten gains was necessary.

The sentencing hearing is expected to last one hour.