Steven Paterson had been employed at Victoria Club, Whittington Moor, for seven months as a relief bar worker before the theft on June 8.

Town magistrates heard that staff member Gary Fuller saw Paterson (31) open a gaming machine and shake a cash tray as if to empty it.

Camera evidence confirmed his suspicions and an audit check revealed money was missing from the machine.

Police were informed and Paterson said he intended to retrieve £2 he had lost in the bandit earlier that day but he took £10.

Paterson, of Occupation Road, Newbold, admitted theft. He had a previous conviction for theft while working for Chesterfield Co-Op last year.

"What a dishonest person you are, Mr Paterson," said District Judge Liz Hart, who ordered him to do 100 hours unpaid work.

Jonathan Taaffe, defending, said the theft had cost Paterson his job and the stolen money was recovered from his wages.

"He opened the machine because £2 had gone in and had not registered. He then took advantage of that and stole more money."