Sales rep stole promotional gifts to sell for profit

A former Black Country sales rep has been spared an immediate stint behind bars after stealing promotional items including TVs and designer boots.

Clive Walker, aged 45, from Moseley Road, Bilston, who worked for Corroy Products in Walsall kept more than £2,000 worth of goods for himself, Walsall Magistrates Court heard.

Mr Kulbir Paul, prosecuting, said the goods were to reward valued customers of the business in Queen Street, which specialises in supplying industrial power tools.

Walker kept four televisions and three pairs of Dewalt boots, worth just over £2,000 in total, to sell on. Mr Paul said the thefts came to light after Walker was removed from his post in October 2010 due to claims he had not been working his contracted hours.

But he took the company to an employment tribunal and was awarded £8,600 for unfair dismissal.

The court heard that it was only afterwards that bosses at the firm realised customers had not received their promotional goods.

Walker admitted two counts of theft.

District Judge Michael Morris, sentencing Walker yesterday , said he had considered sending him straight to prison.

He told him: "This is theft from an employer. You were in a trusted position. It was over a period of time. It was a severe breach of trust."

Walker was handed a 16-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to pay £2,318.30 compensation, £85 costs and to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.