A manager with Sean Graham bookmakers has been given a suspended sentence for stealing thousands of pounds from his employer to fund a gambling addiction.

Daniel Cassidy admitted stealing £9,500 from the bookmakers’ branch in Claudy, County Londonderry, between September and December 2023.

The initial amount was £10,500 but he had repaid £1,000, Londonderry Magistrates’ Court was told.

Cassidy, 30, of Ferguson Street, Derry, was sentenced to 11 months, suspended for three years and ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.

Management had initially noticed money missing from the safe and, after examining rotas, noticed Cassidy had been working at the time, the court was told.

When they phoned him to ask about the missing cash, Cassidy hung up.

Further attempts to contact him by text were unsuccessful and eventually police went to Cassidy’s home and found betting dockets and bank transaction slips.

Cassidy made full admissions during police interviews.

He said that he had taken the money to fund his gambling addiction, starting with small amounts that he intended to pay back with his winnings.

A defence barrister said there was “no sophistication” involved and that Cassidy had felt “some relief” when he was found out.

He told the court that Cassidy was “remorseful”, was attending Gamblers’ Anonymous and had apologised to his former employers.