The former assistant manager of Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre has indicated that he will plead guilty to stealing more than £14,000 in cash from his employers.
David Kirrage, 37, of Crowborough, worked at the Wyevale garden centre until December 2009 and is charged with stealing £14,122.99 between February 7, 2008 and December 1, 2009.
He appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on May 12 where his case was adjourned until May 26 to allow legal aid to be sought to help him at Crown Court.
Mr Kirrage's solicitor, Matthew Nickolls, told the court: "This is a far from straightforward case. The charge relates to a substantial theft from his employers, and he intends to enter a guilty plea. For now he is doing some part-time work and some self-employment. But that means it is hard to substantiate what his income is and it is important for him to get legal aid as this case may be committed to Crown Court for sentencing, at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). There are serious ramifications each way but the paperwork is not complete."
Despite James Nichols, for the CPS, insisting the court should formally request a plea there and then, the defendant's request for adjournment was upheld.
Kirrage was released on unconditional bail.