Thieving gambler is spared prison

A BAKER who stole £1,200 from his employer of 15 years after getting a gambling habit, has been spared prison.

Gary Leech (43), of Ripponden Road, Oldham, had worked at Blainey’s Bakery on Oldham market for 15 years and was a trusted employee.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard that on January 4 this year a client of the bakery, Penhouse, rang to askabout a payment and when it could be made.

Penhouse, made transactions in cash and Leech decided to take advantage of this and went to collect the money himself.

CCTV footage from the Penhouse saw Leech taking the payment.

Leech, a prolific gambler, is believed to have taken the money to fuel his habit as he regularly ran racing syndicates.

Prosecuting, Andrea Lock said: “On January 16, Mr Blainey was checking the accounts and realised that there was no payment from the Penhouse.”

“It transpired that a payment had been made and CCTV was seen and identified Leech collecting the cash.

“Mr Blainey felt that Leech had breached the trust that he had given him down the years and he felt very let down.”

“Leech said that he had gone to the Penhouse to pick up some uncooked pies and that was what the CCTV saw him doing.”

In mitigation, Mr Mark Fireman said: “He is, apart from the blemish on his character, a man of no previous convictions.

Leech was given a four months prison sentence, suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to theft from an employer.

He will be forced to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and will have to pay back the £1,208.08p to the bakery.