When a 55-year-old trusted manager and cook at a Bala family-run cafe stole from the safe it was the fourth time he had been found guilty of stealing from an employer.

Although the last time it happened was 11 years ago the three previous convictions were “identical” said judge Nicola Saffman at Caernarfon Crown Court today.

Mathew Bennett, of Ash Green, Coventry pleaded guilty to the theft of £3,700 belonging to Owain Kenrick Williams in Bala on April 18.

The judge said he had gone out of hours to the café, Y Badell Aur, when the takings would have been high because of a bank holiday weekend. 

He had used the code to enter the safe at a time when he had mental health difficulties and was thinking of suicide.

Eventually, he gave himself up to the police.

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Imposing a 16 month prison sentence suspended for two years Judge Saffman said he had shown an insight into the impact of his theft on employers who had been kind to him.

In addition to the suspended term he must attend 40 days of rehabilitation sessions and carry out 250 hours of unpaid work with costs of £156.

The judge explained she couldn't make a compensation order because Bennett had no money but it would be up to his conscience to repay people “who looked after you.”

Carla Forfar, defending, said Bennett had apologised for the theft “and his intention is to repay the debt.”

He claimed the theft was an impulsive act, added Mrs Forfar, who urged a suspended sentence because there was a realistic chance of rehabilitation.

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