Restaurant boss stole £10,000 to fund gambling habit

A RESTAURANT manager embezzled more than £10,000 from his employers to fund his gambling habit.

Benjamin Metcalfe, 23, had worked for the Nando's Restaurant chain for five years before becoming the manager at the restaurant in Fountain Park, Edinburgh in 2008.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, when Metcalfe's case was called, solicitor, Elaine Crawford told Sheriff Isabella McColl that the accused had not been able to travel from his home in England for the hearing, but she had received instructions to enter a guilty plea.

Metcalfe of Ladybank, Birchill, Bracknell, admitted embezzling 10,220.72 between 28 June and 1 August last year.

Fiscal Depute, Caroline Kubala, said that a director of the company became aware that money was missing and not being banked on 12 August, 2009. Enquiries were made and on 20 August 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 that when questioned by the police, Metcalfe had, "No hesitation in admitting taking the cash to fund his gambling habit". He said he had planned to refund the money by playing Blackjack at the casino in the complex.

Sheriff McColl deferred sentenced on Metcalfe until 25 March for his personal appearance and for Social Inquiry and Community Service reports.