A MAN tricked his employers by sending himself vastly more expensive products than he'd paid for, a court heard.

Kevin Morris, of Churchill Lane in Ellesmere Port, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old had previously been convicted of fraud by abuse of position which occurred over a period of around four months while he was employed as a team leader at XPO Logistics in Wrexham.

Jade Tufail, prosecuting, told the court that between October 2020 and March 2021 Morris used his staff discount to order a TV from the Very Group - which had its stock handles by XPO Logistics.

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The TV was picked in the warehouse on October 29 and placed on an outbound vehicle the next day.

On both of those dates he was working in the relevant parts of the warehouse, which was significant because the TV which was delivered to him was of a much higher specification than the one he ordered.

It turned out he had deliberately 'mispicked' the TV at the warehouse and ensured it would be sent to himself.

The Leader: Mold Crown CourtMold Crown Court (Image: NQ)
He repeated this behaviour twice more, causing a loss of more than £4,500 to the Very Group.

When his online accounts were checked, it was discovered that he had been selling the TVs at a profit.

At interview following his arrest, he denied the allegations and then tried to blame others for the "mistake."

But his phone revealed messages between him and others about the techniques he would use to make sure his activities went unnoticed.

The court heard he was dismissed but has since found employment elsewhere.

Henry Hills, defending, said: "He is extremely remorseful for his actions and has no history of similar behaviour.

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"He knows he breached his employer's trust."

Mr Hills said the offences had been an "act of desperation" to address his gambling addiction and his debts.

"Mr Morris has sought to put matters right and has begun the process of rehabilitation," he added.

Judge Nicola Saffman handed down a sentence of six months in custody - but suspended it for 12 months.

Morris must comply with a three month curfew and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation work.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £4742.05, a victim surcharge of £128 and £530 costs.

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