A FINANCIAL director of two non-profit organisations stole almost £30,000 from the companies to fund his £150-a-day cocaine addiction, a court heard.

Craig Stockham, aged 33, from Flintshire, abused his position at LiveWire and Culture Warrington from January to November this year, and pleaded guilty to theft at Halton Magistrates' Court today, Tuesday.

After being employed by the companies since they established in 2012, he was later appointed to his senior role - one which gave him access to funds and the responsibility of making strategic management decisions.

Stockham was set to receive a severance package of £18,000 after working his last day, on what would have been November 18, though he was immediately suspended in November while investigations took place.

It was only when a fellow colleague asked somebody to double check one of Stockham's payments, did his actions come to light.

After investigating the payment further, the individual came to see that Stockham had made one payment to a separate bank account, which was found to be his own.

Following a review, it was found that he stole around £24,000 from LiveWire and £4670 from Culture Warrington, the court heard.

LiveWire runs former council owned Warrington leisure centres while Culture Warrington manages the Parr Hall and Warrington Museum.

When arrested on November 12, he later tested positive for cocaine, and the police found paperwork in his room which showed that he was in debt.

Prosecuting, Alison Warburton, said: "He had a cocaine habit, he was spending around £150 on cocaine a day.

"He had access to spending a lot of the budget. It is a very serious breach of trust."

The companies insist appropriate financial systems and procedures were in place and have slammed the 'devastating' effects of Stockham's actions.

"As finance director, Craig was a trusted and valued member of our senior management team,” said Jan Souness, managing director for both LiveWire and Culture Warrington, speaking after the hearing.

"He came to us with impeccable references and was a unanimous choice when he was appointed.

"He was popular among peers and was one of the original team.

"We worked hard to support each other and we thought there was strong trust and transparency among us.

"His actions had a devastating impact on the team in terms of his betrayal of his office, his colleagues, the board and the people of Warrington whom we in LiveWire and Culture Warrington endeavour to serve to the best of our ability.”

Defence barrister Nick Terry advised the magistrates to send the case to the crown court.

Stockham, who was dressed in a grey suit, striped shirt and blue tie, will appear at Warrington Crown Court for sentencing, with a date yet to be confirmed.

The Warrington Guardian was the only media organisation at the court hearing.