Shoe shop manager had £25,000 of debts (From Northwich Guardian)

Shoe shop manager had £25,000 of debts

5:00pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A FORMER shoe shop manager stole more than £1,300 from his employers because he was £25,000 in debt.

Martin Roberts, 48, of Carlton Road, Northwich, pleaded guilty to stealing the cash and three pairs of shoes worth £110 when he appeared at Vale Royal Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that Roberts, a member of Mid-Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society, had taken the cash when he worked at Jones the Bootmakers, on Witton Walk, between March 15 and April 28 of this year.

A member of staff raised concerns with the company’s area manager that money had gone missing from the shop.

When the company’s finance department found the money was missing, Roberts was sacked and the police were informed.

He later admitted to police officers he was in a lot of debt.

Stephen Rodgers, defending, said his client had paid the money back to the company with the help of his mother and father.

He said: “He had been manager of the Northwich branch since August 2007 but had been in the retail sector for 10 years. He realises he has been very stupid committing this offence.

“He has lost his job, which gave him great pleasure.

“He was living beyond his means, had debts of £25,000 and took a chance.

“A sum of money was borrowed by him from the float and that was what concerned a member of staff, which was why they called the area manager.

“He is a well known person in Northwich and he knows this has brought shame upon his family and friends.”

Magistrate Brian Gumm said: “It’s a very serious offence and a breach of trust but taking into account your previous good record we have decided not to consider custody.”

Roberts was ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work and pay £43 in costs.

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