A CASHIER at an Asda petrol station "dipped into the till” to steal nearly £3,000 over a three-month period, magistrates have been told.

Holly Payne, 20, of Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, admitted theft when she appeared before the Canterbury bench which imposed a suspended prison sentence and community service order.

Ruth Dalziell, prosecuting, told the court how managers of the filling station in Canterbury became suspicious of the cashier when shortfalls in takings were noticed and an investigation was launched.

When they confronted Payne, she was found to have £300 in her possession which she had stolen and she confessed to the previous thefts. Police were then called in.

In court, Payne admitted one count of theft of the £300 and asked for another charge of stealing a total of £2,643 to be taken into consideration.

She was sentenced to 120 days custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 200 hours community service.

Magistrates also ordered she pay back the money to Asda to compensate for its losses.

William Nelson, for Payne, said his client had got herself in financial difficulties which resulted in her dipping into the till, initially taking a £5 note.

He said: “She is of previous good character and liked and trusted in her community. Dishonesty is so far from her nature, but she had become swamped by debt and it spiralled out of control. It was not a sophisticated criminal endeavour but a desperate way to sort out her financial problems.”

He said the court appearance had “profoundly upset” his client and she had already started to pay back the money to Asda.

He added: “She is about to start a new job with an employer who is aware of today’s proceedings and it is a mark of her character that they are prepared to take her on.”