Antrim bank worker admits stealing from customer accounts

A 29-year-old Co Antrim man has admitted using his position as a bank employee to steal money from the accounts of three customers.

James Stewart, from Hillhead Road in Ballyclare, appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud by abuse of position.

He admitted making cash withdrawals from the Ulster Bank accounts of three customers when he was not authorised to do so.

The court heard the offending took place over a period spanning from February 18th, 2011 to March 30th, 2012.

When the single charge was put to Stewart, he replied: “Guilty.”

Crown prosecutor David McClean said that the total amount of cash involved was “just short of £20,000.”

After admitting the theft, Stewart was told he will be sentenced at Antrim Crown Court next month. He was released on bail by Judge Brian Sherrard.