A Catholic in Norfolk who fraudulently diverted donations made to his church worth more than £50,000 will be sentenced later.
Father John Reid admitted abusing his position at St Cuthbert's in Chester-le-Street after he took money parishioners intended for charity and church maintenance.
Between June 2009 and October 2013, the 69 year old, who now lives in Teesside, spent some of the cash and restaurants and foreign travel.
The Roman Catholic from Stockton was also accused of failing to keep proper receipts and accounts.
Reid previously denied two charges of fraud by abuse of position; however, he changed his plea last month and admitted one of the charges.
He quit public ministry, which also included leading St Bede's Church in Sacriston, following the launch of an investigation by Durham Police in 2014.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday at Durham Crown Court.
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