A man who stole over £20,000 from Haynes Ford in Maidstone has escaped an immediate jail sentence.

Paul Durrant took the money over almost four years while working as a repair and warranty administrator.

A judge told him she had to pass a prison sentence of 12 months but it could be suspended for two years. He will also have to do 300 hours unpaid work.

“In short, I am giving you a chance,” said Miss Recorder Heather Baucher.

Katie Fox, defending, said Durrant, of Quantock Close, Tunbridge Wells, had not used the money for an extravagant lifestyle.

It was taken to repay debts and deal with a difficult family situation.

“It is a tragedy that his work ethic has been thrown away,” Miss Fox told Maidstone Crown Court.

Miss Fox said Durrant, 48, had diabetes and high blood pressure. He helped care for his partner’s teenage daughter, who suffered from cerebral palsy.

“He wants to get back to work and pay back the money,” added Miss Fox.

Recorder Baucher said it was a tragedy Durrant, who admitted theft, had committed the offence having worked for the car company for 31 years.

“This court will not tolerate offences of this nature,” she said. “This is blatant breach of trust. You were placed in a very responsible position.”

The offence was out of character and he recognised the shame he had caused.