Milkman stole from employer

A SUFFOLK milkman who stole from Dairy Crest has been told to do unpaid work.Paul Milburn, 33, of High Road, Trimley St Mary pleaded guilty to stealing £496 in May last year.

A SUFFOLK milkman who stole from Dairy Crest has been told to do unpaid work.

Paul Milburn, 33, of High Road, Trimley St Mary pleaded guilty to stealing £496 in May last year.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that the married father of three should have banked the week's takings but failed to do so.

Steven Dyble prosecuting said, Milburn failed to turn up for work and when he was telephoned he explained that he was ill and intended to hand in a medical certificate along with the cash.

Dairy Crest received neither, the court heard, even after a number of letters were sent to his then Woodbridge address.

The court heard that Milburn had a criminal record that dated back to 1987 when he was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders' institute for committing four burglaries, theft, handling stolen goods, motoring matters and 33 other offences taken into consideration.

Richard Potts, mitigating, said Milburn had a "dispute with Dairy Crest and kept the money he thought he was entitled to for holiday pay."

Mr Potts said Milburn had handed in a cheque for £496 to his solicitor today.

Judge John Devaux said £496 was not regarded as a huge amount and gone are the days when a breach of trust led to instant imprisonment.

Milburn was ordered to carry out 100 hours community punishment and he was told to pay £496 compensation to Dairy Crest.