Mum-of-two Samantha Bolton stole £330 worth of scratch cards from the supermarket where she worked. The 29-year-old was struggling for cash when she had a job at Asda, Bucknall, between July 5 and October 15, 2023.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard she helped herself to the cards worth between £1 and £5 while working on the cigarette kiosk. But managers became aware of losses and an investigation was launched.
Every member of staff who worked on the kiosk became a suspect. But CCTV showed the defendant stealing the cards and hiding them in her trousers and work jacket.
In total she stole £330 worth of cards. Now Bolton has been sentenced to a nine-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days.
Prosecutor Suzanne Swindail said Bolton was employed by Asda from July 5, 2023. Miss Swindail said: “She would often work at the kiosk and was responsible for the sale of cigarettes, lottery tickets and scratch cards.
“There were 16 different scratch cards valued at between £1 and £5. Two members of staff became aware of losses in relation to scratch cards unaccounted for. The security officer commenced an investigation.
“CCTV showed Bolton selecting them and hiding them in the back of her trousers and in her work jacket. She admitted taking the scratch cards and her employment was terminated on October 15, 2023.”
Samantha Bolton stole scratch cards while working at Asda in Bucknall.
In her police interview Bolton said she stole the scratch cards because she had money worries and was not able to afford to buy things for her children. Bolton, of Ruxley Road, Bucknall, pleaded guilty to theft by employee.
Kevin Mortlock, mitigating, said Bolton was of previous good character and made admissions when confronted by her employers. He said she was in a violent relationship with an alcoholic who took her money.
Mr Mortlock said: “She said she was short of money and started taking the scratch cards. She must have known she was bound to be caught as standing under a CCTV camera her actions were recorded. It was a breach of trust but unsophisticated offending. It was an enterprise doomed to fail.”
Mr Mortlock added that Bolton has now separated from her partner and is studying child psychology at university. Magistrates fined Bolton £50 and ordered her to £330 compensation to Asda and a £114 surcharge.
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