A MAN who sold cigarettes to a friend at a discounted rate admitted stealing from his employer when he appeared at court today (Thursday, January 22).
Peter Theaker, of Cumberland Street, Darlington, stole cigarettes and money to the value of £1,000 while working at Sharma’s off-licence in the town between October 1 and October 15 last year.
Vickie Wilson, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, said Theaker, 55, had sold the cigarettes at a below retail price to his friend, John Ferry, also of Cumberland Street.
Mrs Wilson said: “He supplied the cigarettes on a regular basis, nine occasions in fact, and Mr Ferry gave him £10 for the cigarettes no matter what the actual cost was. The shopkeeper lost £1,000.”
Mr Theaker pleaded guilty to theft by employee.
Mr Ferry, 28, who appeared alongside him, pleaded guilty to theft.
No mitigation was given but the court heard Theaker had been out of trouble for 14 years and showed genuine remorse for his actions.
District Judge Martin Walker sentenced Mr Theaker to 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered he pay £750 compensation.
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