The former chairman of an amateur dramatic group said he was 'disgusted' with his own behaviour after pocketing thousands of pounds he was expected to bank.

Robert Waple, known as Bob, of St Michaels Close, Thetford, pleaded guilty today to a charge of fraud by abuse of position when he appeared at West Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Bury St Edmunds.

The court was told that the 39-year-old had taken £7,394 while he was chairman of the Thetford Players between January 1, 2010 and March 23 this year.

Waple was also the founder of the group, producing a performance of Aladdin in January where he played Abanazar - Aladdin's evil nemesis.

Roslind Cappleman, prosecuting, said members of the group became suspicious after £1,400 from ticket sales failed to appear in their bank account.

On March 22, an emergency meeting was called by members of the group where a number of financial discrepancies were disclosed.

Mrs Cappleman said missing funds included £1,100 donations made to the Thetford Players for a Monopoly Race in August last year – cash that should have gone to East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

Jakki Upton, mitigating, said father-of-one Waple had given up his job in 2011 to become the sole carer for his wife.

She said her client had struggled financially and had used up his savings to pay for household bills.

•See tomorrow's Eastern Daily Press for the full story.