A MAN who stole hundreds of pounds from the Ellesmere Port store he worked for has been sentenced.

Lee Lawson, 38, of Wetherby Way, Little Sutton, previously pleaded guilty to the charge of theft by employee, which happened at the Wilko store in Ellesmere Port.

Prosecuting at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, May 9, Alan Currums said the offending took place between October 2019 and June 2021.

Lawson, who worked as a store assistant, would print out a second receipt and put the funds on to a gift card for himself.

That happened 25 times and the total value stolen was £345.

The store manager became aware of the anomalies and Lawson was challenged by a staff member about the missing money. Lawson immediately admitted the theft and made full admissions to police after the matter was reported to them.

He said he believed he had kleptomania and wanted to work elsewhere.

Mr Currums said Lawson had previous convictions, but not since 2008.

Defending, Rebecca Boswell said Lawson was seeking support from medical professionals and was awaiting further diagnoses.

The defendant had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Lawson was sentenced to a 12-month community order, to include up to 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work.

He must also pay £345 compensation to Wilko.