The manager of the park cafe at Carlisle’s Hammonds Pond stole cash from the premises while working there, a court heard.

Andrew Mark Emerton, 36, had keys to the safe and was in a position of trust, magistrates in Carlisle were told.

John Moran, prosecuting, said Emerton worked as manager of the cafe for a short period and was responsible during this time for running the business which was owned by Mark Aikman.

After Emerton, of Hawick Street in Caldewgate, failed to appear at work, another member of staff contacted the owner.

It was discovered on May 18 that money was missing from the business estimated by Mr Aikman as just under £2,000. This figure, however, was disputed in court.

Mr Moran told the magistrates that CCTV images from the cafe showed the defendant moving to a section where the money and safe was kept.

He was then seen to walk away with a plastic bag and leave the cafe. The following day Carlisle City Council contacted the owner to inform him the rear door of the cafe had been left open overnight.

Anthony Wilson, defending, said Emerton admitted taking about £500. Mr Wilson told the court his client was owed for over 60 hours work at £7.20 an hour.

Emerton, who admitted stealing an unknown amount of cash, was given a six-month community order and will be electronically tagged for 12 weeks between 7pm and 7am.

Compensation of £500 must be paid to the cafe owner with prosecution costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £60 and criminal court charge of £180.

Michael Little, chairman of the bench, told Emerton: “You were in a position of trust.”