An administrator who stole £120,000 from her employer has been warned she could be jailed when she is sentenced.

Julie Palmer, who lives in Mallard Way, Great Cornard, near Sudbury, has admitted stealing money from the Suffolk technology company she worked for.

The thefts occurred between November 2010 and June this year.

The money was taken from UTEL Ltd, of Wolves Farm Lane, Hadleigh.

Prior to Palmer pleading guilty to the charge, her barrister Richard Potts sought an indication from Ipswich Crown Court judge John Devaux as to the maximum sentence his client could expect to receive.

Mr Potts was informed it would not exceed a 16-month jail term.

However, adjourning the case until next month for a pre-sentence report Judge Devaux said: “I’ve given an indication as to the maximum sentence but that doesn’t mean that will be the sentence.

“I don’t want any hopes to be raised falsely but I will take into account anything the report says,” said the judge.

The court heard 38-year-old Palmer had previously been a woman of good character.

Mr Potts told the court that Palmer had handed herself into the police.

She had also made admissions to stealing the money in interviews with officers.

Mr Potts added that his client had mental health issues.

However, the judge was told Palmer had been seen by a psychiatrist.

After making an assessment of Palmer’s condition the psychiatrist considered that she was fit to plead to the charge she was facing.

“She has been extremely ill,” said Mr Potts.

After hearing from Mr Potts Judge Devaux adjourned Palmer’s sentencing until next month.