Worker stole £5k of goods from Amazon
A factory worker who stole thousands of pounds of stock from an internet shopping warehouse in Rugeley has been spared an immediate jail sentence.
Peter Cervienka was working at the huge Amazon depot when he decided to steal electrical items and re-sell them online. The goods stolen by the 32-year-old were valued at £5,036.
Cannock Magistrates Court heard yesterday how Cervienka was sprung by an Amazon theft reduction officer who noticed various items, including computer components, mobile phones and memory sticks, had gone missing from boxes.
Mr Ian Pinkney, prosecuting, said: "The officer went on to ebay and searched for any of the items for sale.
"A seller was selling three items that were new but unboxed and so he purchased one and the receipt led to Mr Cervienka."
Police were called and they found the stock in his house. When he was questioned, Cervienka initially said he had found the items before admitting that he had taken them and then hidden them under his belt buckle to avoid the metal detectors.
The Slovakian, who has been in the country since 2006, said he had done it as he had been in debt. Cervienka, of Heath Street, Hednesford, admitted a charge of theft by employee between June and July.
In mitigation, Mr Ian Hodnett said while there had been an element of breach of trust, he was not a manager or company secretary, and just worked in the factory. Chairman of the bench Mrs Patricia Mellor said an employer should be able to trust all their staff.
Cervienka was given a six-week jail sentence, reduced to four for his early guilty plea and suspended for 12 months, with 12 months supervision. He must also pay £85 court costs.
