A DUDLEY supermarket worker who stole £2,800 worth of goods to help ease his financial problems has avoided a spell behind bars.

Javed Miah was in debt and he took the goods from the Asda store in just six weeks, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

“You were in a position of responsibility and you breached that trust,” Judge Nicholas Webb told the 25-year-old, who was of previous good character.

But he stressed it was to his credit that when questioned about the thefts he immediately admitted he was responsible.

Richard McConaghy, prosecuting, said Miah ordered goods from the supermarket and he then arranged for others to pick them up without making payment.

Miah, who was responsible for the click and collect section of the store as well as home deliveries, then claimed a refund on each item which included electrical goods and computer games.

Mr McConaghy said he was finally rumbled when store chiefs launched an investigation after spotting the large number of refunds being recorded.

Miah, of Beechwood Road, West Bromwich, admitted fraud and he was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work in the community and to pay £1,000 compensation to Asda.

Anthony Cartlin, defending, said Miah resigned immediately from the store once his crimes had been discovered adding: “His prospects of future employment are now extremely slim.”