A County Down woman has entered a guilty plea to taking cash from her employer. Jodie Johnston, 37, of Windsor Hill in Waringstown, admitted the theft at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The charge related to an incident on February 26 this year. Her barrister, Conor Coulter, described it as theft by an employee and requested a pre-sentence report.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan noted that Johnston would receive credit for her early plea, as no witnesses were needed for the hearing. He said he had limited information about the case and agreed to the defence request for a pre-sentence report. He strongly advised the defendant to cooperate with the Probation Board.

The case was adjourned until July 22 for sentencing. Legal aid, including representation by counsel, was approved.