A former pub employee stole thousands of pounds from his employer to pay off mounting gambling debts.

Michael Fielding, 43, had been in the midst of a spiralling betting addiction, Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, said he had “breached a high degree of trust”.

Fielding, of no fixed abode but from Great Yarmouth, admitted stealing £2,000 in cash between  August 13 and 14. 

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The theft was just four months after he was made the subject of a three-year conditional discharge in April after admitting stealing more than £1,100 while working at The Gate pub in Caister-on-Sea.

He was spared jail for that offence after magistrates accepted he was remorseful and was "taking steps to address his addiction problems".

However he had subsequently reoffended with the victim saying the latest theft had resulted in a “terrific impact” on the business, said Ms Holland. 

Fielding appeared before the court via video link from HMP Norwich, where he had been on remand since August 23, to be sentenced after previously pleading guilty to theft from a dwelling.

Annette Hall, mitigating, said: “He had a significant gambling addiction that at the time had spiralled completely out of control. 

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“He has since taken stock and has accessed a lot of services while in prison and sought help from support groups working with gambling addicts.”

She said he was “genuinely remorseful”, had cooperated with police and was determined to fully pay back the amounts he had stolen. 

Magistrates told Fielding his offending “crosses the custodial line” however they had decided a community sentence was more appropriate.  

Imposing an 18-month community order they said he would have to undertake 100 hours unpaid work and 156 rehabilitation days.

He was also made subject to a 12-month treatment order and ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation.