Newbury man Jethro Black stole from his bosses

A FORMER Newbury College student stole £5,000 from his employer.

Jethro Black, who also used the surname Martin, made an initial appearance in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 13.

The 27-year-old, of St John’s Road, Newbury, had been an employee at Marks and Spencer in Newbury when he trousered £5,000 belonging to the retail giant.

Mr Black, who was smartly dressed, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft by employee.

The offence was committed in Newbury between September 2 and November 23 last year.

Helen Gambrill began to open the prosecution case but district judge Paul Booty said: “The facts speak for themselves from the charge.

“This will clearly need to be adjourned for a [pre-sentence] report.”

Ms Gambrill asked for a bail condition to be imposed – namely that Mr Black be prevented from contacting store manager Sarah Compton either directly or indirectly.

But judge Booty said: “He is 27 years old with no previous convictions.

“He doesn’t need bail conditions.”

He told Mr Black he would be given full credit for his early guilty plea and adjourned the case until Friday, April 26, for sentencing.

Judge Booty ordered the pre-sentence report to be prepared on an ‘all options’ basis, including custody.

Mr Black was meanwhile released on unconditional bail.