[A] MAN who stole thousands of pounds of computer equipment while working for the NHS has been ordered to pay compensation.
Matthew Binns, 29, was handed a suspended 10-month jail term at the city’s crown court last month. He had admitted stealing equipment worth over £39,000 between January, 2015, and May last year while employed by Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Binns stored some stolen goods in a garage and was said to have sold on 15 items for £4,500. A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) timetable was set in a bid to claw back his ill-gotten gains.
But during a short hearing at the crown court today (WED), it emerged that a decision had been taken to abandon the POCA proceedings. This followed a “thorough investigation” of Binns’ finances.
However, compensation was being sought on behalf of the NHS. Defence barrister Greg Hoare said: “His position was, if he were in a position to do it, he ought to reimburse as far as he could.”
Judge Peter Hughes QC, who heard Binns had since secured new employment, announced: “I will make a compensation order in the sum of £1,000, payable in 12 months.” Binns, previously of The Promenade, Maryport, and now said to be of Criffel Road, Carlisle, did not attend today’s hearing.
