A YOUNG man was left jobless after stealing money from the Powys hotel where he was left to cash up at night.

William Joseph Carter, 21 stole £400 in cash, which resulted in him being sacked from the Wynnstay Hotel.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday, March 5, that Carter had not fallen out with employers, and he didn’t need the money – but temptation “got the better of him”.

Prosecutor Justin Espie said Carter took cash from the hotel in Machynlleth over two nights when he was cashing up at the end of the evening.

Carter, previously of Pant Glas, Talerddig, near Llanbrynmair, but who now lives with a friend in Aberystwyth, admitted one charge of theft by employee, on October 13 last year, when he appeared at court this week.

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“The defendant was captured on CCTV cashing up the till, when he could be seen discreetly hiding a number of notes underneath the till while carrying it,” said Mr Espie.

“The same thing happened again the next night; while carrying the till to the safe, he hid notes underneath.

“At a meeting with staff members he initially denied it, but then admitted taking the cash. He was then dismissed. He admitted taking a total of £400.”

Magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report and probation officer Julian Davies told the court: “Part of Mr Carter’s job was being entrusted with closing up and cashing up.

“He tells me he had no money issues, he was getting paid enough. He didn’t need the money, but temptation got the better of him. He didn’t think through his actions.

“He says he has learnt his lesson. He is now jobless and he was until recently homeless.

“He was stupid and knows he let people down who trusted him.”

Representing Carter, Rob Hanratty said: “It was a low value crime, albeit it was a serious breach of trust.”

Mr Hanratty said his client is desperately searching for a job, but is currently on Universal Credit and would be able to pay any fine at a rate of £26 a month.

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Carter was given a 12-month community order by magistrates – this includes completing 120 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay back the £400 he stole from the hotel. In addition he must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Anthony Jackson, chair of the bench, told Carter: “You’re 21, you’re very young. This is going to have a big effect on you.

“Many jobs these days have a DBS form because it involves a role in a position of trust, this could well be a bar to you being employed. Don’t let this define you.”