A SENIOR official at a Ryedale golf club has admitted stealing more than £44,600 from the club while supposedly looking after its finances.

Nicholas Redman, 56, from Shipley, West Yorkshire, raided the funds of Malton & Norton Golf Club for more than two years while working as the managing secretary.

He could face up to 12 months in jail for fraud when he is sentenced by a judge next month.

Dressed in a suit and tie, Redman pleaded guilty as he made his first appearance before magistrates in Scarborough yesterday.

Katy Varlow, prosecuting, said: “The defendant has been managing secretary at the club.

“He has been creating invoices for work to have money paid into a bank account of his own.

“The bank account was created by him in the early 1990s for a business he was involved in.”

The court heard Redman created false invoices for the club treasurer so that the amounts could be paid into the account.

Ms Varlow said: “He has done this to the tune of more than £44,000.

“It’s a breach of trust which has been taking place over a substantial period of time.”

Redman, of Summerfield Drive, Baildon, admitted one offence of fraud by abuse of position.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address, and age during the five minute hearing.

The court heard that as managing secretary Redman was expected to safeguard – or at least not act against – the financial interests of the club.

But between September 27, 2010, and January 26, 2013, he dishonestly abused his position to gain £44,606 for himself.

He was committed to appear at York Crown Court for sentence on May 24 and had his unconditional bail extended.

Presiding Magistrate Gillian Clegg told him: “The offence is serious.

“The level of fraud is so high this court cannot deal with it effectively.

“The probation service will do a report on you and it is in your interests to cooperate with them.”

Ian Brickman, defending, said: “My client has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“It’s clearly a matter which will need to be dealt with by the crown court.

“I have no further representations to make at this time.”

Redman was arrested on February 6 in connection with a number of allegations relating to the club’s finances.

He joined the club in July 2010, after spending three years as secretary of Baildon Golf Club in West Yorkshire.

Malton & Norton was founded in 1910 and is the “home club” of York-born European Tour professional Simon Dyson.

It has been described by veteran commentator Peter Allis as “North Yorkshire’s hidden gem”.