'˜Trusted' boss stole nearly £2.5k from Matlock Bath amusement arcade after personal tragedy

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard Scott Bramwell took the cash from Derwent Amusements in Matlock Bath – where he worked as a supervisor – and spent most of it on drinking and gambling in Skegness.

The 41-year-old committed the offence after his girlfriend lost twins and killed herself. He also tried to take his own life.

Gillian Foxcroft, prosecuting, told Friday’s hearing: “The defendant was a supervisor at Derwent Amusements. He’d been there for 24 years.

“He was trusted with the keys to the safe and stole money to the value of £2,455.95.

“The defendant went to Skegness and used the money for drinking and gambling.

“He said he couldn’t remember taking the money from the safe but later remembered what he did.

“£300 was recovered,” she added.

Bramwell, of Kingsfield Court, Wirksworth, admitted the March 13 theft.

Steve Brint, defending, said: “My client was a loyal and trusted employee who often worked long hours.

“Several months previously he became depressed because his girlfriend lost twins and committed suicide. He himself attempted suicide.

“My client became alcohol dependant and also started gambling.

“When he returned from Skegness, he told his employer what had occurred. He also admitted the offence to the police.

“My client realises his mistake and is full of remorse.

“A sequence of circumstances led him down a path which was very dark and he’s now on his way out of that path.

“He’s got a lot of good friends around him and his life is now on the up.”

Bramwell, who had never been in trouble with police prior to this crime, now has factory work through an agency, the court heard.

Magistrates handed Bramwell a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £2,145.95.