The deputy manager of a care home for people with mental health problems is facing jail, after pleading guilty to stealing money from patients.

Geoffrey Mutenga of Beaumaris Gardens, Upper Norwood, changed his plea to guilty on what was the first day of his trial for theft at Croydon Crown Court last Wednesday, April 3.

The 37-year-old had previously denied stealing two cheques totalling £800 from one service user between September 2011 and January 2012, and two cheques totalling £600 from another resident between August 2011 and December 2011.

Mutenga has since been dismissed from his role at Care Home in Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, which provides accommodation and personal support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and challenging behaviours.

It is understood Mutenga failed to follow the correct system which allowed staff to withdraw money from residents'

accounts and failed to record the withdrawal of money before keeping it for himself.

A spokesman for Care Management Group that runs the care home, said: "We never tolerate stealing and were appalled by this behaviour, which is out of step with everything we stand for.

"The moment we became aware of the issue, the individual in question was immediately suspended and the police informed.

"The individual has since been dismissed. We continue to work closely with all of those concerned, including the service users’ families and the relevant authorities.

"We have fully reimbursed all the money and since the event, Beulah Road has strengthened its internal financial processes and robust systems are in place that safeguard both our service users and service users’ money."

Mutenga will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on May 1.