A garage worker used a cheque from his boss to pay off a council tax debt.

Gary Roberts was supposed to use the money to pay for leaflets to promote a new car being sold by his boss but he kept the money, Chelmsford Crown Court heard.

Roberts, 34, of Lister Road, Braintree, admitted a theft charge and was put on probation for 12 months.

"This was a mean theft and you are right to be ashamed about it," Mr Justice Moses told Roberts.

Rowland Hardy, prosecuting, said bosses at the TA Porter garage wanted 30,000 leaflets printed and distributed in the Braintree, Witham, and Maldon areas to help promote a new car.

Roberts said Braintree Council provided this kind of service and he was handed a cheque for £435.

When there appeared nothing had been done, a check was made and it was found the council did not print or distribute leaflets, Mr Hardy said.

Roberts admitted taking the money and using it to pay off a council tax debt. He was sacked from his job.

Jane Hall, mitigating, said Roberts was under pressure at the time as his mother had died and he had debts. He had repaid the money he took, Miss Hall said.

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