A SPAR worker stole Amazon gift vouchers worth nearly £1,000 by selling them to himself and then refunding his account, a court heard.

Daniel Ian Thomas Marsh appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to two offences.

The 22-year-old, of Droomer in Windermere, admitted stealing Amazon giftcards to the value of £992 from the Shell and Spar garage at Troutbeck.

He also admitted committing fraud by false representation by refunding the giftcards and keeping the money for himself.

The court heard Marsh carried out the theft over a four-month period this year while he was working at the store full-time.

He has since repaid the amount back to the store in full.

Prosecutor Pam Ward told the court: “The defendant at the time was working at the Spar store and Shell Petrol Station at Troutbeck near Windermere as a sales assistant full-time.

“Between January 16 and May 8 he sold himself giftcards worth £992 while working on the till.

“While logged in as himself he has obtained the activation codes and processed a full refund to balance the till.

“He then used his Amazon account to buy items for himself.

“The store manager carried out an audit and noticed a large sum had been refunded.”

After checking the store’s CCTV and computer systems the manager realised Marsh was responsible and contacted police.

The court heard Marsh, who has no previous convictions, has since repaid the amount he stole from the shop in full.

Mrs Ward added: “The offences represent a high culpability and an abuse of trust.

“The harm wasn’t high as the money has been recovered.”

Defence solicitor Chris Evans submitted a number of references and letters to magistrates including one from Marsh’s current employer and a letter of apology written by Marsh himself.

“The defendant has paid back that money in full,” Mr Evans said.

“That payment of £992 was made at a very early stage and not simply just before the case came before the court.

“He genuinely regrets what took place and he has expressed that it has caused embarrassment for himself and his family.

“He is fortunate that he has managed to find employment and his new employer is aware of this court case.

“He is very sorry for what has taken place.”

Marsh was given a 12-month community order and was told to complete 80 hours of unpaid work in the community.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.