An Onchan man has admitted stealing £16,850 from a friend’s company.

Jonathan Ffinlo Pressley, of Alberta Drive, agreed to ’look over’ the man’s accounts then transferred the cash into his own bank account.

Pressley, who is 37, carried out the thefts over a six-month period between August 2018 and February 2019.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes committed him to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing and he will appear there on June 6.

Pressley has also previously pleaded guilty to stealing building materials from the Isle of Man Home of Rest for Old Horses.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court how Pressley was employed by the Home of Rest where he befriended the man who ran his own gardening company.

The man asked Pressley if he would look over his accounts and gave him access to the company cheque book to pay for outgoings.

Pressley was said to have been given blank cheques signed by the man who then noticed some outgoings which he had not authorised.

It was discovered that Pressley had transferred £16,850 via a series of cheques made payable to his own account without permission.

Ms Cubbon said that the offence was a breach of trust and that Pressley had used to cash to fund his lifestyle.

The prosecutor said that the case should go to the higher court bearing in mind the breach and the high amount stolen.

Defence advocate David Reynolds said that he could not argue against sentencing taking place at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Mrs Hughes ruled that, although the building materials theft would not normally have been committed, both offences should be sentenced together.

Bail continues.

Jonathan Ffinlo Pressley, of Alberta Drive, agreed to ’look over’ the man’s accounts then transferred the cash into his own bank account.