A crooked salesman at Currys PC World managed to steal more than £96,000 in less than a year, a court heard.

But gambling addict Martyn Owenson walked free after a judge heard he had a new job in a call centre and was addressing his gambling habit.

The 24-year-old team leader at the store at Sittingbourne Retail Park in Mill Way fleeced the company by creating false sales receipts and pocketing refunds.

Owenson, of Nelson Road, Gillingham, hedged his bets and told police he had stolen about £15,000 between September 2013 and August 2014.

But Maidstone Crown Court was told he had grossly underestimated the amount and the true figure was £96,529, which went mainly on paying off his gambling debts from betting on soccer games with Sky Bet.

In committing the offence he cast suspicion on colleagues by using their log in details at tills to steal some of the cash.

Despite the large amount taken, Owenson, who earned £1,100 a month, could only repay £5,758, Recorder David Elvin QC was told on Monday.

Jacob Edwards, defending, said unmarried Owenson was not trying to be misleading when he claimed to have stolen just £15,000.

“This was stupidity that got out of hand and he himself was surprised at the extent,” he said.

“He was betting on football results and the like. What a wake-up call this has been. Since the date of his arrest he has not gambled at all.”

Owenson, who admitted theft by employee, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He must complete 250 hours unpaid work and he will be restricted by a tagged curfew from 9pm to 8am for a year.

Recorder Elvin said although Owenson may not have been aware of the scale of his thefts, he knew of their frequent nature.

“This offence plainly crosses the custody threshold but having heard submissions from your counsel I am satisfied that having rapidly gained another employment and are seeking to address your gambling habit that the correct sentence would be a suspended one.”

Owenson’s assets seized included a watch, jewellery, computer and his Ford Focus car.

The £5,758 compensation is to be paid to Currys within three months.