Dishonest Wilko Employee Stole Almost £10k from Cash Machine

A dishonest Wilko employee stole almost £10,000 from an in-store cash machine he was responsible for looking after.

Ryan Gillespie, 20, admitted a single charge of theft when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates' Court.

Theft is an either way offence contrary to section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. The maximum penalty for theft is 7 years in custody. We have previously written an article on the legalities surrounding theft.

The court heard that Gillespie, a man of no previous convictions, took £9,600 from the machine inside the Droitwich store between 6th June and 6th July 2019.

Emily Clewer, prosecuting, explained that Gillespie was in charge of the machine and worked out a way to get round security.

Miss Clewer said: "It was a spate of theft over time.

"In total he had £9,600 from the machine that dispensed cash.

"There was an element of sophistication, he worked out a way to get round it.

"But there was CCTV coverage, and other security measures he was not aware of.

"It was a breach of trust.

"The Crown put it at medium culpability."

Mark Sheward, mitigating, said that Gillespie had worked at the St Andrews Square store for 3 years prior to committing the offence.

"It was part of his responsibility to deal with the ATM," Mr Sheward said.

"His family had helped him with his debts, but were struggling themselves. He saw an opportunity to pay them back. He thought he recognised an opportunity. He didn't understand fully the system, and that was why other employees worked it out.

"He accepts full responsibility. He realises the the company should be reimbursed for their loss."

Deputy District Judge Simon Morgan, sentencing, said: "If everybody stole £9,000 from their work, companies would not be able to employ anybody, because they couldn't afford it.

"I give you credit for having the good sense to admit the theft - that removed the need by the police to have had to carry out a full investigation."

Gillespie was handed a 12 month community order, with 150 hours unpaid work requirement.

He was ordered to pay £9,600 compensation, £85 prosecution costs and £85 victim surcharge.