A BAR manager stole alcohol and furniture from his employer because he was angry his boss was thinking of handing the premises over to a new landlord.

Wayne Allinson, 35, of Westfield Road, in Bishop Auckland, was the bar manager at Bar 56, on Hope Street, in Crook, when the leaseholder Glen Henderson decided it was not proving successful enough and so showed a potential new landlord round.

Sarah Traynor, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Thursday), said that Mr Henderson’s actions led Allinson to start stealing from his employer.

She said that on several occasions after finishing work between August 28 and September 3 Allinson filled a box with bottles of alcohol which he took from the bar without paying.

The magistrates heard he stole booze worth £1,075 which he shared amongst his friends.

Allinson also stole furniture from the Crook Hotel which he sold to the Now and Then second hand shop, in Cockerton, Darlington, for £175.

In his police interview Allinson denied taking the booze although he did admit to taking the furniture.

Allinson pleaded guilty to two charges of theft by an employee.

Ben Pegman, defending, offered no further mitigation than what was written in pre-sentence report given to the magistrates.

Allinson was sentenced to a 12-month community order and he will pay £1,075 compensation to Mr Henderson.