Ben Noden, aged 38, of Church Street, Shipston, appeared at Redditch Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, January 13) charged with theft by employee and committing fraud by false representation.
Noden, formerly of Coronation Way, Kidderminster, is accused of stealing £198,387.15 belonging to employer Peter Round.
He is also charged with committing fraud by false representation by forging a signature in order to obtain money.
Noden, who was not represented, pleaded guilty to both charges with the judge ordering a pre-sentence report to now be completed.
The case had been delayed multiple times since Noden first appeared at Worcester Crown Court in August.
This includes in December when Noden was due to admit or deny the offences, but it had to be adjourned due to an issue with legal aid.
Noden first appeared before Judge Martin Jackson at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, August 20.
He appeared with no legal representation and Judge Jackson adjourned the case for two weeks to allow him the time to provide solicitors with further information, including bank statements.
A plea hearing was later rescheduled to take place on September 19, but the judge acknowledged he may not have been made aware of the hearing, and the hearing was relisted for October 14.
The Worcestershire Crown Court case was further delayed again on November 14 and December 13 before being heard in Redditch today (Monday, January 13).
Noden is due to be sentenced on Thursday, February 13.