AN ex-manager who stole thousands of pounds in takings and till money from a city pub has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Laura Beatson of Grasmere Drive, Warndon, admitted stealing over £4,000 from The Old Greyhound pub in New Street, Worcester.  The Worcester News understands she no longer works at the pub. 

The 39-year-old mum admitted two charges of theft by the employee from Donna Bird when she appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday. 

The Old Greyhound ex-manager turned thief stole £4,000 in takings and was sentenced on the day she admitted the offence in court, her early guilty plea taken into account by the bench.

One charge involved the theft of £4033.65 in takings and the other and the other £389.40 in 'till monies'.

The thefts happened between February 5 and March 8 this year. 

Magistrates told her:  "This was a serious theft committed over a number of months and a significant breach of trust."

Magistrates sentenced her to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Court records say: "The custodial sentence has been suspended because the defendant has a young son and an immediate custodial sentence will have a detrimental effect upon him."

She was ordered to pay £185 costs, a £154 surcharge and £4423.05 in compensation. She was ordered to pay in full by October 12 this year.