Matlock conmanis spared prison

Furious bosses say they are ‘extremely disappointed’ an office worker who defrauded their company out of nearly £12,000 has narrowly escaped jail.
Pictured is a work unit at stone construction experts Pisani, of Whatstandwell, Matlock.Pictured is a work unit at stone construction experts Pisani, of Whatstandwell, Matlock.
Pictured is a work unit at stone construction experts Pisani, of Whatstandwell, Matlock.

Derby Crown Court heard during sentencing on Monday how Andrew Wheatcroft, 26, of Derwent Views, on Dale Road, Matlock, paid £11,864.71 of customers’ refunds into his bank while working at Matlock stone experts Pisani.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Mahon stated during a previous magistrates’ hearing that after Wheatcroft left Pisani it transpired he had moved a refund due to a customer into his bank and it was found 18 such transactions involving customers had taken place. Wheatcroft told police he used cards to transfer money and showered his partner with gifts.

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Magistrates had also heard how Wheatcroft, who originally took money to pay for his uncle’s funeral, has paid some back and has had depression.

Wheatcroft pleaded guilty to committing fraud by false representation between October 2012 and May 2013 and was sentenced to six months’ prison suspended for 24 months, a three month curfew and must pay £2,256.15 compensation.

A Pisani spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed he hasn’t received a jail sentence. His actions were immensely deceitful. It’s left us deeply disturbed.”

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