THE treasurer of a York social club has admitted stealing nearly £13,000 in takings.

Susan Lewis, 49, was responsible for banking the weekly takings of Severus Social Club, Emma Pearce, prosecuting, told York Magistrates Court. But on some weeks between January 1 and September 20, she did not bank the takings and took the money for herself.

Lewis, of Milner Street, Acomb, York, pleaded guilty to stealing £12,986.46 from her employer. She was committed to York Crown Court for sentence and will appear there in mid-November. Miss Pearce said accountants spotted the theft when they realised that money had not been put into the bank as it should have been.

Mark Thompson, for Lewis, did not give any mitigation because the case was going to the crown court.

Lewis was released on bail while probation officers prepare a pre-sentence report.

She said nothing during the brief hearing, other than to acknowledge her name, address and age.

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, October 14, 2004