A disgraced ex-councillor said he is "deeply sorry" for defrauding a charity out of thousands of pounds using forged cheques.

Alan Salter, 66, is facing jail after admitting he abused his position as treasurer at Carshalton Association for the Elderly to drain £8,225 from the account of the meals-on-wheels provider.

He resigned in shame as Liberal Democrat councillor for Carshalton Central in June after police began investigating allegations against him.

RELATED: Former Sutton councillor Alan Salter admits abusing his position at Carshalton Association for the Elderly to commit fraud

Salter, of Wallington, was arrested later that month. He told police he had been living beyond his means and had siphoned money from the charity to pay his outstanding debts.

The conning ex-councillor, who runs accountancy firm AJ Salter Accountancy Services from his home in Butter Hill, signed a total of 26 cheques payable to his own name or to cash between July 21, 2015, and May 7 this year.

He forged the signature of two of the charity’s directors who had authority to sign off transactions.

Suspicions were raised by a senior officer at the charity during the preparation of its annual accounts in June.

Salter pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position on Monday at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

RELATED: Former Sutton councillor Alan Salter charged with fraud by abuse of position at Carshalton charity

He told the Sutton Guardian yesterday he was “deeply sorry”.

In a statement issued through his solicitor, he said: “When I was arrested I spoke to police about this matter in interview. I have since appeared before the court and pleaded guilty.

“I am deeply sorry for what I have done.”

Salter will be sentenced for the fraud, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, at Croydon Crown Court on a date yet to be specified.

A former council colleague of Salter yesterday expressed his shock at his conviction.

Conservative opposition leader Tim Crowley said: “It’s sad and also astonishing that a man in his position has gone and done that. I used to have the upmost respect and trust in him.

“I just want to know what he has to say at sentencing. He has a lot of explaining to do.”

A council spokesman said: “Sutton Council has a clear process for investigating allegations against councillors under the Member Code of Conduct and will investigate any complaints made.

“Regarding Alan Salter, the allegations are, so far as we know, to do with his personal financial affairs.”

Carshalton Association for the Elderly declined to comment this week.

The Charity Commission yesterday still listed Salter as a trustee at the association, as well as at two other charities.

Sutton Seniors’ Forum could not be contacted this week and the council-run Carshalton Coronation Commemoration Fund declined to comment on Salter’s position.

His resignation from the council triggered a by-election in Carshalton Central, which was won by Lib Dem candidate Chris Williams last month.