Betting shop manager caught fiddling wagers


20 November 2006 09:07

Betting shop manager Matthew Wells stole from his employers by altering his own bets depending on the outcome of the races.

Wells had gained more than £1,400 before being caught by routine security checks, city magistrates heard on Friday.

The 33-year-old, who had worked for William Hill for a decade, ruined his own career as a result of his dishonesty.

Wells, of Lodore Avenue, Hellesdon, was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,462.50 compensation and £60 costs. He had admitted four charges of theft and asked for eight offences of placing fraudulent bets to be considered.

Prosecuting, Anna Crayford said that Wells, who worked at the firm's betting shop in Reepham Road, Hellesdon, made 12 fraudulent transactions between June and September.

They were revealed as a result of routine security check.

“It was found the defendant had hand written his own betting slips and then altered them in value depending on whether the race was won or lost.” As well as altering the slips he changed the values and times on the computer system, making the bet larger if he had won or smaller if he had lost.

Mrs Crayford said that as a result of the alterations Wells gained a total of £1,462.50.

Gavin Cowe, for Wells, said he had worked for the company for 10 years and lost his job as a result of the offences. He now worked in a family run toy store. “He had an impeccable and consistent employment record. He can't explain whey he acted as he did -ruining what would have been for him a successful career within the William Hill organisation.”

Mr Cowe said Wells had not been in debt at the time.

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