Fraudster took £11,864 from employers

An office worker conned his firm out of nearly £12,000 to help lavish his girlfriend with expensive gifts.
COURT: Court CaseCOURT: Court Case
COURT: Court Case

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, June 3, how Andrew Wheatcroft, 25, of Derwent Views, on Dale Road, Matlock, paid £11,864.71 of customers’ refunds into his bank account while working at Matlock-based stone-construction experts Pisani.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Mahon said: “Since leaving Pisani, it transpired Wheatcroft had moved a refund due to an existing customer into his own bank account and it was discovered 18 such transactions involving customers had taken place.”

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Wheatcroft told police he had used two cards to transfer the money and he had been suffering with depression and had showered his partner with expensive gifts and helped her to live the high life. He has paid back £1,306.15, according to Miss Mahon.

Defending solicitor Julie Page said Wheatcroft originally took money to help pay for his uncle’s funeral and further offences were committed to treat his partner. Miss Page added: “Mr Wheatcroft’s always suffered with depression and has attempted suicide. There is a tentative bi-polar diagnosis and one of its features is a struggle to rationalise right and wrong.”

Wheatcroft pleaded guilty to committing fraud by false representation between October, 2012, and May, 2013. Magistrates committed Wheatcroft to Derby Crown Court for sentencing on July 4. He was released on conditional bail with orders not to contact Pisani or ex-colleagues.