A KINGSWINFORD gambling addict who stole more than £163,000 from his employers when he turned to crime to clear his debts has been put behind bars for 26 months.

Daniel Weaver, aged 26, took the money from a Wolverhampton firm and his criminal activities put considerable strain on the company's finances.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told by David Iles, prosecuting, if the thefts had gone on bosses would have been forced to consider making other workers redundant.

Weaver, who had built up the reputation of being a highly trusted worker, directed false invoices into his bank account and used the money to ease his debts.

He also continued gambling with stolen money in the hope of recouping his losses but when his thefts came to light he fled to London where he was eventually found in a casino.

Weaver, of Cott Lane, admitted theft and he was told by Recorder Dean Kershaw his offending was so serious only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Mr Iles said the thefts by Weaver, who was employed as a purchase ledger clerk had a “significant” effect on the business, based at Boundary Industrial Park.

The £163,676 had been stolen over a period of time but as soon as he was arrested Weaver was highly co-operative with investigating police officers and helped them to track down where the money had gone.

Oliver Woolhouse defending said friends and colleagues of Weaver - a man of previous good character - had been shocked when they learned what he had been doing.