Deputy manager Hashmukh Bhai Mistry, aged 54 years old, was convicted of stealing just over £17,000 from the two stores where he worked. He was in a desperate financial situation, Leicester Crown Court heard. The prosecution argued that Mistry had exploited his position of trust, carrying out false refunds when filling in slips and processing debit card payments as well as taking cash directly from the register.
Though Mistry stole £9,369 and £8,258 separately from the two Co-operative branches where he worked, he was helpful in police enquiries, showing them the deceptive exchanges on his bank records and accepting full responsibility.
With his difficult economic position emphasised, he has been given a two-year community order with six months of supervision.
