Warehouse workers steal from Argos in Darlington (From The Advertiser Series)

Warehouse workers steal from Argos in Darlington

5:16pm Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

TWO warehouse workers who stole hundreds of pounds worth of mobile phones from their employer have been sentenced to unpaid work.

Leon Jeffery James, of Walker Drive, Bishop Auckland, and Gareth Harvey Mather, of York Square, Shildon, admit stealing Samsung mobile phones while working at the Argos Distribution Centre in Darlington.

James, 26, stole eight phones between November 7 2011 and November 30 last year, while Mather, 32, stole four phones between September 1 and November 29 last year. Four of the phones were recovered but the others were sold on internet auction websites.

Jonathan Bambro, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, February 26), described how, when asked by the police why they had taken the phones, James replied “easy money” and Mather said “stupidity.”

Alan Meehan, mitigating for James, said his client had never been in trouble before and was “full of genuine remorse” for his actions.

Mr Meehan said James had already paid a high price for the offence, losing his job of five years and temporarily splitting up with his wife, although they have since reconciled.

Mather, who was unrepresented, said: “I want to apologise for everything I have done. I won’t be back here again.”

James was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to Argos and a £60 victim surcharge. Mather received 100 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay £500 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.