Jeremy Nicholls, 32, of Belmont Road, Harrogate, pleaded guilty at York Magistrates’ Court to the theft, which took place on November 15, 2024. The court heard he took £20,196 from his employer and did not repay it. His action was described in court as an “appalling breach of trust in the workplace”. Nicholls was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, on condition he does 150 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £10,000 in compensation to his former employer.