Worker admits £1,966 cash swindle

A garage worker in Penkridge who pocketed almost £2,000 through false accounting has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Oliver Peake, aged 26, made around £1,966 by falsifying the accounts at Hodson's garage between March and August last year. Cannock Magistrates heard yesterday that Peake, of Micklewood Close, had been viewed as management material by his employers before his scam was discovered.

In a statement the general manager at the garage, Tony Jackson, said he felt "very let down and disappointed" when he realised what had been going on.

"When I employed Oliver I found him to be bright and intelligent. I saw him in a future management role," the statement said.

Mr Jackson also said that hiring procedures at the garage had been reviewed following the incident.

Peake's solicitor, Robert Govier told the magistrates: "He is aware he has done wrong and he is anxious to put it right."

Peake previously pleaded guilty to six charges of false accounting at Cannock Magistrates' Court on January 5.

He also admitted 28 other similar matters.

The court was told that instead of passing on discounts meant for garage customers, Peake was pocketing the difference himself.

Peake is no longer employed at the garage, the magistrates were told.

Mr Govier said in court yesterday that Hodson's managers had recovered the majority of the stolen cash from Peake's outstanding wages.

The defendant was ordered to pay back the remaining £77 that was outstanding, along with £60 in court costs.

Peake's 12-month suspended sentence was coupled with an order to carry out 280 hours of unpaid work.