A man who plundered cash from an Eden Valley pub’s coffers while working as a trusted general manager has been spared immediate prison.
Adam Thorpe, now 37, had been employed at Calthwaite’s Globe Inn.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today that Thorpe worked there between May, 2020, and April the following year.
During parts of that period the pub was closed amid tight Covid pandemic national lockdowns. Through his employment, Thorpe was provided with an apartment above the premises in which to live.
“He had access to all areas of the building, including areas where stock and cash were stored,” said prosecutor George Shelley. Thorpe’s responsibilities also included handling money and cashing up tills at the end of the day.
But Thorpe defrauded the business to the tune of £1,300. “When he was interviewed, Mr Thorpe admitted carrying out fraudulent card transactions without permission,” said Mr Shelley.
When brought to court Thorpe, of Rusland Park, Kendal, admitted a charge of fraud by abuse of position, his offending occurring between September 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021.
Unrepresented by a solicitor during today’s sentencing hearing, Thorpe told the district judge, John Temperley: “If I could turn back time…I highly regret everything that I did. I have no excuse for it. I knew it was wrong. If I could apologise to (the proprietor) I would. I sincerely apologise.”
Thorpe told the court some of the money taken had been deducted from wages before he left the pub. He had since lost contact with the proprietor.
Thorpe had latterly been offered new employment. He was aware he could be jailed for the offence and said he was worried for a dog he’d left home alone. “It seriously upsets me that it might have to come to this. Whatever punishment you deem necessary I will accept,” he said.
District Judge Temperley concluded there was “every prospect” of Thorpe being rehabilitated. A 16-week prison sentence was suspended for 12 months, he must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work and fully compensate the pub’s proprietor.
