A CO-OP store manager at a Chester village defrauded the company out of more than £20,000 to fund his gambling addiction.

David Robert Knight, 36, of Estone Place, Ashton, Chester, had previously pleaded guilty to defrauding the Co-op in Tarporley between September 2019 and June 2020, taking £21,000.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, February 12, Knight was handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence.

Prosecuting, Jemma Gordon said the Co-op area manager was alerted in late May 2020 to a series of high-value refunds being made at the High Street store.

A review of CCTV at the store took place and Knight was found to be processing fictional refunds through the till without customers present.

A full investigation revealed Knight had been processing through fake Paysafe vouchers and making the money by recording them as sales.

He had also entered information on the system that the store safe's contained more money than they actually did.

Other staff were unaware of the discrepancies.

When interviewed by Co-op managers, Knight admitted the offences and tendered his resignation.

Police were informed and Knight made full admissions there, saying he had committed the fraud due to his gambling addiction and depression.

He had no previous convictions, with just a warning in 2001 for possession of cannabis.

Defending, Adam Antoszkiw said the defendant was otherwise of good character and had assisted with the investigation.

He had in recent years lost his marriage, his home and his career and had been declared bankrupt.

He felt remorse and had lost his job at the Co-op where he had worked for 19 years, making his way up to store manager.

His gambling addiction had "spiralled out of control".

Mr Antoszkiw added that Knight being caught was "almost a weight off his shoulders" as he recognised he had a problem and had taken it upon himself to get help from the GamCare charity.

Knight's personal circumstances had improved and he was in a new relationship with a woman who was in full-time work and had control of the finances.

Mr Recorder David O'Mahony noted that Knight had been sleeping in his car or sofa-surfing after losing his home by being unable to keep up with mortgage payments, caused by the gambling addiction.

Due to the defendant's remorse, good character and his willingness to work with probation, the judge ruled a custodial term could be suspended.

Knight's 14-month prison sentence will be suspended for two years. In that time he must complete 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours unpaid work, plus a victim surcharge.