AN employee who stole £29,000 from his company has been spared jail.

Jonathan Stoker took the money from Ross and Davidson Limited pawnbrokers, in Chester Road, Sunderland. The 30-year-old admitted stealing from the company, but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted that he only benefited by about £1,000 and was acting under the influence of his manager.

Judge Guy Whitburn deferred sentencing him six months ago and warned that unless he saved up £2,500 to pay back to the firm, he would be going to jail for 15 months.

Stoker was back before the court yesterday and Judge Whitburn, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, upheld his promise not to send him to jail after a cheque for £2,500 was presented.

Judge Whitburn told him: "In your case there are curious and strong compelling features in mitigation, in particular, that the manager has stolen a considerable amount from the company and had in effect persuaded you to assist him."

Judge Whitburn accepted he had a "very strong work ethic" and said he was of previous good character. Stoker, of Woburn Drive, Sunderland, admitted one charge of theft at an earlier hearing.

The manager of the shop was jailed for his part in the scam.