'Sticky fingered' Guisborough worker jailed for theft from Billingham company

Richard Brice was given a chance last May when a court heard how the coffee machine salesman had trouble with alcohol, drugs, gambling and loan sharks.

The 40-year-old got another job with a food company as a debt collector shortly after his let-off but started pocketing the money he gathered in for himself.

In the space of just seven weeks, Brice creamed off £10,889 from Country Valley Foods, based in Billingham, Teesside Crown Court was told.

The company was even prepared to not press charges if he kept a promise to pay back the money – but never did.

His lawyer pleaded for mercy with Judge Sean Morris, telling him the father-of-two had made “dramatic changes” to his lifestyle and attitude.

Nicci Horton, mitigating, said Brice had given up booze, cocaine and betting, had paid off the money-lender and was volunteering at churches and food banks.

She told the judge that he has also set up his own company, and added: “He is a different man.

“The initial offence was borne out of someone leading a sort of champagne lifestyle, but without the money to support that. He got into using drugs. The sales representative kind of lifestyle where you want to schmooze your clients.

“That got out of control, he borrowed a lot of money and could not repay his debts.”

Jailing him for a total of two years, Judge Morris told Brice: “Within a short space of time of receiving that suspended sentence and being given a chance, you had your sticky fingers all over your employer’s money again

“That employer was good enough to give you a chance to pay it back, but you didn’t. I have seen all the references, all the various groups you have suddenly joined knowing this day was coming.

“Those people who are given a suspended sentence for dishonesty then go out and start stealing from their employers cannot expect another chance.”

Brice, of Crowhurst Close, Guisborough, admitted theft.