Co-Op Duty Manager stole £3000

Lee Jones, aged 41, was employed at the Co-Op in Western Road, Bexhill.

Hastings magistrates heard he took the cash because he was in financial trouble.

Prosecutor Peter Bolwell said: "He took 3,000 out of the safe's takings and gave 1,000 to his parents from whom he previously borrowed money.

"The rest of the money he blew on B&Bs as he went on the road around the country.

"By the time police caught up with him his parents had spent 300 of the 1,000.

"The defendant admitted the offences promptly to police when he was arrested."

Jones has no previous convictions.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by an employee when he appeared before Hastings magistrates on May 25.

The theft itself took place on May 1.

Jones, of Bexleigh Avenue, St. Leonards, appeared in court again on Friday to be sentenced.

Mark Glendenning, defending, said: "This was an enterprise doomed to failure.

"He was managing the store on the day in question as the manager was off sick.

"He agreed to come in to cover for her as a favour.

"He had, and still has, some financial difficulties. For whatever reason temptation got the better of him.

"Once police contacted him he immediately returned to Bexhill and surrendered himself to the police.

"This was a moment of madness."

Magistrates jailed Jones for six months and ordered him to pay 2,300 in compensation.