‘Trusted manager’ keeps freedom despite stealing more than £15,000 from his employer
A trusted manager who stole more than £15,000 from a flooring firm he worked for has kept his freedom.
Andrew Cotton claimed he pocketed cash belonging to Franks Factory Flooring to pay off loan sharks.
The 56-year-old, of Maple Grove, Whitburn, admitted theft by employee of a total of £15,700 between December 1, 2022, and July 8, 2023.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Cotton's offending was exposed when an accounts report revealed discrepancies.
Prosecutor David Robinson-Young said Cotton admitted he had sold stock to people he knew and diverted payments into his personal bank accounts.
He added: "He said he had done it due to threats from loan sharks."Mr Robinson-Young said Cotton had been classed as a "trusted member of the team" and his employers were "devastated" by the betrayal.
The court heard Cotton has two previous convictions for fraud and one for making off without payment.
Jamie Adams, defending, said Cotton will pay the full amount back but his bank account is currently frozen due to the investigation.
The court heard Cotton has another job now.
Mr Recorder Tony Hawks sentenced him to 16 months suspended for two years with programme and rehabilitation requirements and a compensation order.
The recorder told him: "You really are getting too old for this sort of thing."