A finance director who diverted £12,000 of company money into his personal account has been banned from holding a directorship for six years but escaped immediate jail.

Last November, Andrew Warman admitted abusing his position as director of Griffin Green Ltd by receiving payments which were meant for the company between May 1, 2013 and September 29, 2014.

At his sentencing hearing on Thursday, Norwich Crown Court heard the 53-year-old, formerly of Bunwell Street in Bunwell, had 'serious mental and physical health problems'.

William Carter, prosecuting, told the court Warman had gone into business with Andrew Clarke in April 2013, each taking 40pc of shares in Griffin Green.

'Griffin Green was known to be a fledgling company,' said Mr Carter. 'There was a decision between them that in the short to medium term they would both take modest salaries of around £14,000.

'In the summer of 2014 it became clear that there was less money available than what was expected by accountants. Mr Clarke then went about the business of trying to work out what had gone wrong. It is clear that over time he began to suspect one way or another Mr Warman was at the root of the difficulties.'

What appeared to be an unpaid invoice of £12,000 from East Anglian Care Homes was pursued by the company, who found it had been paid, but into Warman's personal account. £2,000 was since repaid.

'Mr Clarke said this has had a massive impact on him,' added Mr Carter. 'He was in a position where he could not pay himself. He couldn't declare himself bankrupt because that would prevent him from trading, and he was in something of a vicious circle.

'He felt betrayed and cheated by Mr Warman, who was supposed to be a man he could trust.'

Charlene Sumnal, mitigating for Warman, said: 'Mr Warman was likely having at that point in time a manic episode. Since his conviction his job has been lost and he is now applying for Job Seekers allowance. His small amount of savings will run out at the end of the month and his debts are around £38,000, built up through manic episodes and overspending.

'He is remorseful and a man for which the process itself has been punishment.'

Warman was banned from being a company director for six years and given 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.