A man who stole from his employer has been ordered to perform 56 hours of community service.
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Former Inveresk Tavern owner Michael Kevin Quill continued working at the pub after selling it in 2015. While employed there, he stole money on a number of occasions in September and October last year, totalling $1486.
Quill pleaded guilty to 31 counts of stealing at an earlier appearance, and was sentenced in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday.
Magistrate Sharon Cure said the crime was a breach of trust, and that many cases of stealing from an employer ended with jail terms.
“In your case, I take the view that this is entirely out of character,” she said.
The court heard Quill made “full and frank” admissions to the “utterly appalling” offences.
He was “ashamed and embarrassed” by the crimes and said financial stress led to the thefts, the court heard.
Quill said he intended to repay the money as soon as his finances were back in order.
Ms Cure sentenced him to 56 hours of unpaid community service, and ordered him to pay costs of $684.20.
“I’m hoping your circumstances improve and you can find work,” she said.
Quill told the court he had been employed elsewhere since leaving the pub. However, he said, after an article appeared in the paper in relation to his court matter, he lost his job.