A handyman said he took $445 from an employer with the expectation it would later be taken out of his pay.

David Anthony Ray, of Addendum Lane, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to taking a Butterfield Bank cheque belonging to Ernest Dismont, who hired him to paint his roof.

The 43-year-old also admitted he falsely represented himself to bank teller Marlene Smith on June 3 when he withdrew the funds from Mr. Dismont's account.

Ray used $145 to pay for a battery from TBA Wholesalers Ltd. a purchase authorised by Mr. Dismont.

He used the remaining $300 to pay for a personal bill.

Ray told Magistrates' Court that the situation was just a misunderstanding.

He said he told Mr. Dismont he would need an advance payment and expected the money to be taken out of his $800 fee.

But he forgot to tell Mr. Dismont when he took the money out of the bank, he said.

"Me and Mr. Dismont have a good relationship. He got back his $300 and is still willing to let me finish the roof," Ray added.

Acting Senior Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo asked Crown counsel Maria Sofianos to check on the handyman's version of events.

Ray will appear back in Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Tuesday. He was released on $1,000 bail.