A former worker has been ordered to pay compensation to Morrisons supermarket after he was caught embezzling cigarettes and money.
David Stewart was working as a customer services assistant at Banchory’s branch when his bosses became aware of stock discrepancies totalling more than £22,000.
At a previous hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, the 54-year-old admitted to embezzling both cigarettes and money totalling £760 from the store while working there between July 1 and July 27 last year.
David Stewart believed to have taken £760
However, after seeking further investigation from the Crown and investigating police officers, she later confirmed: “The Crown’s position is that the value is unknown.
“The CCTV in the shop has recorded 12 incidents in which the accused has taken the money or product. The stock count revealed a discrepancy of approximately £22,107 as stated earlier.
“The Crown contacted the police to ask for more information and their position was that an exact value couldn’t be given.
“The accused admitted to taking money and goods but couldn’t recall individual instances.”
This was later clarified by fiscal depute Tom Procter, who told the court that “essentially, over the course of the libel period, the accused was providing goods to customers and not putting the money through the till”.
The total amount understood to be taken by Stewart was £760.
Stewart, who was not present for sentencing, had previously admitted one charge of embezzling a quantity of cigarettes and money while employed by Morrisons.
Defence agent Michael Burnett, explaining his client’s non-appearance, said he had now been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing various treatments.
Ordered to repay store
He added: “Mr Stewart has saved up the funds. I confirmed with him if the court was to make a compensation order to pay within seven days he’d be able to comply.”
Mr Procter confirmed Stewart had been of good behaviour since he pled guilty to the offence in January.
Sheriff Shirley McKenna ordered Stewart, of Kinneskie Road, Banchory, to pay Morrisons a total of £760.
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