A man who stole hundreds of pounds from his employer claimed that he had not received his wages.

Martin Haigh, 21, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by employee.

The offence happened at Top News on Colne Road in Huddersfield.

The owner Rehana Ali had employed Haigh as a shop assistant at the off-licence for three months.

Ms Ali also employed Darren Roberts as a manager.

On January 18 Mr Roberts became aware through a friend that the shop was closed in the afternoon when it should have been open.

He decided to call the shop and drove to it when there was no reply.

Linda Fowler, prosecuting, said: “He found the shutter on the main outside door closed.

“There was no sign of the defendant (and) the till drawer was empty.

“He checked the store CCTV which showed the defendant emptying the cash float and placing the money in a plastic bag.

“He then placed it in a rucksack and also took two to three sleeves of 200 cigarettes.”

Mr Roberts told Ms Ali about the theft and police were called.

Haigh, of no fixed address, was interviewed and claimed that he was owed £500 to £600 by his employer.

Mrs Fowler said: “On this day he felt ill so he decided to leave.

“He knew that leaving would mean he would be sacked so he decided to take the cash and cigarettes as part payment for the money he was owed. “

Haigh stole £282 out of the till and £100 worth of cigarettes.

His solicitor said that he had gone about obtaining cash the wrong way and dipped his hand in the till.

Magistrates ordered a full report from the Probation Service before sentencing Haigh on June 16.

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