A FATHER-of-two has ended up in front of a judge after stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods from his employer.

Gordon Hammett became the subject of an internal investigation at R E Dawson, a family-owned company which sells home and garden equipment, after bosses at the company became suspicious over the conduct of some employees. 

A search of Hammett’s home revealed he had taken several items belonging to his employer, including outdoor furniture, a BBQ, a parasol and some benches.

Prosecuting the case at Burnley Crown Court, Andrew Lodge said: “In June 2018 an internal investigation was commenced into the suspected theft of goods from the warehouse and also of other goods while in transit to other locations.

“It was suspected that employees as well as others from outside of the company were involved in thefts.

“As a result of this investigation, the police were contacted and on June 22 officers attended the home of this defendant and he was arrested on suspicion of theft.

“A search was conducted and a quantity of garden furniture which included deck chairs, a swing set, a corner sofa and table, benches and covers, a parasol base and a BBQ was found.

“Those items were collected and confirmed to be the property of the company, Simon Dawson put a total value on £3,495.”

In interview Hammett admitted taking all the items bar the BBQ, which he claimed he had bought second hand.

Mr Lodge added: “The defendant maintained that the goods he had taken were all damaged and could not be sold. He was essentially saying there was a policy by which such goods could be taken away by employees.

“They were later examined and all of them were found to be fit for sale. Much of it was in fact sold at a reduced price. He also confirmed there was no such policy that would allow them to remove damaged goods.”

Now a labourer, Hammett was originally charged alongside another man though all charges have been dropped against him.

Defending him Matthew Buckland said: “He is a man who had, subject to one very minor offence as a juvenile, led a hard-working, decent and ordinary life raising his family with his partner.

“It may be no coincidence that this significant drop in the standards he set for himself came at a time he was separating from his wife.

“It is not to excuse what has happened, but it is some background explanation as to why a man of 42, of hitherto good character would commit an offence of this nature.”

Sentencing him to 8 months in custody suspended for 18, Judge Sara Dodd said: “I have to deal with you for what appears to be a systematic theme of stealing items belonging to your employer - someone who trusted you to look after the warehouse and keep their property safe and you helped yourself.

“Not to property that was damaged beyond sale or items that you were permitted to take. You acknowledge through your plea that you should not have taken those items.”

Hammett, of Stockbridge Road, Padiham, must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement order.