The boss of a National Lottery-funded women’s charity has admitted defrauding the organisation of thousands of pounds.

Ruth Hiscock, 37, who was the co-ordinator of a woman's centre, which in February 2014 secured five years of lottery money after the local council removed their £68,000 grant, has pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between December 31, 2012 and April 24, last year.

When originally charged Hiscock, of The Gables, North Orbital Road, Watford was accused of taking £40,497.67.

However, she claims the figure is lower.

Now she must wait to hear her fate. Judge Martyn Barklem released the first-time offender until November 15 for a pre-sentence report on bail condition she does not contact anyone at the centre and resides at her address.

But he warned her not to “read anything into” the fact she was being freed for the time being.

“You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence. You must not read anything into the fact I’m granting you bail,” he told her.

The centre, based in Andrew Close, Bessborough Road, Harrow describes itself as providing, for over 20 years, a safe place for women in need, hardship and distress.

It provides support and counselling, including mental health assistance and legal advice and has 32 qualified counsellors, plus volunteers.

Hiscock is also the former director of Harrow Community Action Ltd.