A pub manager who pocketed more than £44,000 in takings from his workplace has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
William Baker, 36, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. He had been taking cash from The Hand and Trumpet, in Wrinehill, North Staffordshire, between 2023 and 2024.
CCTV captured thefts
Prosecutor Kyle Padley told the court: "The defendant worked as a manager at The Hand and Trumpet. He had been working there since he was 16.
"Between 2023 and 2024, he was seen taking cash from the till and the safe on several occasions. He also created fake receipts in an effort to avoid being detected."
CCTV showed him taking the money and secreting it in his pockets. A review of the footage calculated he stole £44,591. The CCTV footage does not go back before 2023.
"This was an abuse of trust and responsibility. This was not simply taking cash opportunistically. He also tailored receipts, which shows that there was a level of planning."
Full repayment made
Anthony Nelson, mitigating, said Baker is a remorseful individual who has gone to great efforts to make amends for his actions.
He explained: "These funds have been repaid in full by Mr Baker. The crown prosecution service have confirmed that amount has now been received by the company.
"When he was interviewed by the company over this, he immediately confessed to everything. He didn’t make excuses or ask for more time."
Thirteen months later, after worrying about what was going to happen, he was arrested by police and interviewed. He made another full and frank confession.
"What he has done is inexcusable. But everyone who pleads guilty must be given credit by the court. There is no more that the man could have done after having made this error of judgement. He fully confessed to his work, the police, and your worships.
"A bit like Adam and Eve, this is a man who gave into temptation. Before this, he lived a blameless life. He was a head boy in school, he completed a master’s degree, and he worked extensively in the hospitality industry before losing his job over these proceedings."
He lost a subsequent job after the case was published in a local newspaper. He now works as a labourer.
"He has received 10 character references from people who speak to his good nature in complete knowledge of his actions. He volunteered during the Covid pandemic and looked after the elderly. He is characterised as a selfless individual. He is sorry and ashamed over his actions."
Suspended sentence imposed
Baker was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, as well as an 18-month community order with 12 rehabilitation days and 200 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £272 costs.
The magistrates told him: "This matter is very serious. We do believe that the custody threshold has been crossed. However, we are minded to suspend that sentence. You have shown remorse and fully cooperated with police."
