Gambler told to repay £10k he embezzled

THE MANAGER of an Edinburgh restaurant who embezzled over £10,000 from his employers to fund his gambling habit, has been ordered to perform 180 hours of Community Service and to repay the missing cash.

Benjamin Metcalfe, 26, of Bracknell, admitted embezzling 10,220.72 between 28 June and 1 August last year at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month. Sentence was deferred until yesterday.

Fiscal Depute Caroline Kubala, said a director of the company became aware that money was missing on August 12, 2009. Inquiries were made and the managing director and general manager of the chain travelled to Edinburgh to interview Metcalfe. As a result the police were informed.

The Fiscal said when questioned by the police, Metcalfe had "no hesitation in admitting taking the cash to fund his gambling".

He said he had planned to refund the money to the company by playing Blackjack.

Metcalfe's defence solicitor, Elaine Crawford, told the Sheriff Isabella McColl her client was now working as a barman and his wage would be 1000 a month.

Sheriff McColl allowed Metcalfe to pay the compensation at the rate of 400 a month.