Debt manager stole over £100,000 from Leeds company

Nicholas Harrison, 43, carried out the deception for almost three years before his offending came to light while working at Leeds-based Bibby Leasing.

Leeds Crown Court heard Harrison held a position of trust and was employed as a collections manager.

His offending came to light in August last year when he went on holiday and it was discovered that he had paid £17,600 into his own bank account.

David Hall, prosecuting, said Harrison immediately fell under suspicion.

Harrison repaid the amount but was dismissed by his employer.

An investigation was carried out which revealed 21 bogus transactions had been carried out from August 2012.

A total of £104,488 was paid to his personal bank account.

Harrison, of Pendragon Lane, Bradford, pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud.

Henry Gow, mitigating, said the married father-of-three committed the offences at a time when he had built up debts.

Mr Gow said Harrison was being supported by his family and they were helping him repay the money to his former employer.

The barrister said: “There was a certain amount of burying his head in the sand. He was not facing up to reality. You can see him shaking in the dock.”

Mr Gow said Harrison was of previous good character and was ashamed of what he had done.

Harrison was given a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also made the subject of an electronically monitored curfew for six months.