UK shop worker charged with fraud

42-year-old British shop worker James Jennings, charged with two counts of fraud by his employer, admitted to using customer refunds to support his online gambling habit.

Jennings allegedly cancelled customer orders and funnelled over 51 refunds totalling GBP 55 376 into his own credit card account between April 2011 and March 2012.

In addition to the money detailed in the charges, he allegedly stole bonuses – earned and saved by his wife – of between GBP 10 000 and GBP 15 000.

A Grimsby Crown Court heard that Jennings spent GBP 78 000 on online gambling, spending GBP 1 800 on one night alone playing online poker.

Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said: He is ashamed of his behaviour, is remorseful for his actions and wishes he could turn the clock back.”

Daryn Brookes, group financial director for Ramsdens, said: “He was a very trusted member of staff and he has taken advantage of his position of trust to line his own pockets.

“Times are very tough for high street shops and to have someone lining their pockets when everyone is working so hard together is a huge blow.”

Sentencing has been scheduled by the court for January 14, 2013.