SHOP assistant Anthony Scott milked his company's customer refund system of £600 in three months to help pay his bills, a court heard yesterday

Peter Scott, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates that Scott, 20, either paid the refund money to himself or took the equivalent in goods while working for United Co-op.

But it was noticed that he was using the refund system much more than other employees and security staff were sent into the Harlow Hill store, in Otley Road, Harrogate.

They tackled Scott, of Mount Parade, Harrogate, and he made a full confession.

Scott, who pleaded guilty to six theft charges and asked for another 41 to be considered, was told by court chairman Mary Tennant that he had abused a position of trust.

He was sentenced to 150 hours' unpaid community work plus costs of £115 and was ordered to pay £600 compensation.

Geoffrey Rogers, mitigating, said Scott had worked part-time for the Co-op after being used to full-time earnings. He said Scott had got accustomed to a certain lifestyle, but not an extravagant one, and realised the £5 an hour he earned would not pay his rent and let him run a car.

Mr Rodgers said he hit upon the refunds idea, and that when he got away with it once or twice, he carried on doing something of which he was now deeply ashamed and embarrassed.