A former Shepway District Council employee has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds he stole from parking machines.

Matthew Donovan of Lodge Lees in Denton, near Canterbury, pleaded guilty to the offences and was given a suspended prison sentence in January.

But following a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court last Friday (July 25), Donovan must repay nearly £8,000 in addition to his 10 week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and community order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

At court on Friday, a confiscation order was made against Donovan as it was established he had benefited to the tune of £17,675.35 through his actions.

The court assessed his available assets and has been told he must pay back a total of £7,722.10 to the district council under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

If he fails to pay he faces a six month prison sentence.