Pub shut down after Sunderland barman stole thousands from till to pay child maintenance

Thomas Jefferson, 26, of Oar Avenue, Silksworth, Sunderland, pocketed £4,677 from the Gloucester Hotel pub in Gateshead.

He did so by ringing drinks through the till at a lower price and taking the extra cash over a five-month period, magistrates in South Tyneside were told.

The dad dreamed up the rouse after his former partner said the price for seeing his estranged daughter was £50 a week.

Jefferson faced up to 36 weeks behind bars for the crime, committed between April 1 and August 9, 2018, but magistrates spared him, saying he had shown genuine remorse.

But he was ordered to pay £3,000 compensation to the bar manager, who also lost her accommodation at the hotel, and carry out 40 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecutor John Garside said the bar manager’s suspicions were aroused when she looked in the till and realised that there wasn’t enough money.

He added: “The business had to close as a result of the losses. She was residing in the flat above the bar and lost her home.

“Given the substantial amount, I’d like the court to consider that compensation is the priority.”

Paul Hanratty, defending, said: “He hit upon a scheme that was never going to float, he was always going to get caught.

“He was ringing the drinks through as cordial. The manageress actually told him that she thought somebody else was responsible.

“The finger was pointed at several other people. He has admitted culpability.

“He had got contact with his daughter who he hadn’t seen for a while, but it was at a cost.

“He was told he would have to pay child maintenance and it was £50 a week. He was not living a lavish lifestyle.”

Stephen Bradley, chairman of the bench, told Jefferson: “I think there is genuine remorse for what you have done.”

Jefferson, who admitted fraud by false representation, was also handed a 12-month community order with a requirement of 15 days’ rehabilitation work and 80 hours’ unpaid work.

There was no other financial penalty.