THE sentencing of a managing director who defrauded a Bolton-based domestic appliance company was adjourned.

Kirk Whitehead, of Kirkgate in Sherbourne in Elmet, Leeds, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud on June 10.

The charges relate to falsely inflated expense claims made at Homespares Centres Limited.

The 38-year-old had been working as the managing director of the firm, which is based at the Firwood Industrial Estate off Thicketford Road, Bolton.

Appearing at Bolton Crown Court today, the prosecution and defence made a joint-application to adjourn the case.

The adjournment was sought on health grounds because Whitehead is “seriously unwell”, and also to determine exactly how much money was defrauded.

Judge Graeme Smith said: “It is clear that progress has not been made on that basis.

“I am happy to adjourn until August 12.

“It is disappointing that we can’t proceed but it would be wrong to until this issues are resolved.”

Whitehead was granted unconditional bail.