A volunteer who stole money from the RSPCA and falsified its accounts has been given a three-month curfew order.

Kevin Kemp took money from the charity’s store in Sittingbourne High Street while manager Amanda Whiteman was on leave.

In her absence the 42-year-old was asked to bank the store’s takings, but instead took the money for himself.

Kemp, who had been banned from entering any RSPCA store until the hearing, admitted theft and false accounting at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He is banned from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am.

Katie Sanways, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The manager had left responsibility to the defendant while she was away.

“On the day that he should have paid money into the account, the book showed no banking stamp and had an irregular signature.

“The accounts were looked at and it was ascertained that £250 had gone missing from the shop.”

The court heard Kemp, of Crown Quay Lane, was arrested last November and admitted his crime during a police interview.

Defence solicitor Matthew Davis said his client stole the money because he had an outstanding bill with HMRC, adding: “He is a man of limited means and felt the pressure to pay his tax bill. Because of his limited finances he made what he accepts was an incredibly unwise decision and attempted to cover up his actions.”

The magistrates were told Kemp would be unable to undertake community service because of a problem with the tendons in his hands. They also decided a custodial sentence was not appropriate.

They ordered Kemp to be fitted with an electronic tag for three months, banned from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am.

Kemp was also ordered to pay £256 in compensation to the RSPCA, £85 in prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.