Fraudster pocketed £26,000 to fund his gambling addiction while working in finance at two West Yorkshire businesses

Leeds Crown Court was told that Gavin Moore, who already had a previous conviction for fraud, amended account details to divert cash towards his own bank account over a six-month period.

After being caught at one firm, and while he was being investigated, he got a job at another company where he also siphoned more cash.

Joseph Bell, prosecuting, said the 28-year-old was first given a job at Strategic Group as a ledger clerk in January 2017, processing invoices for contractors.

At the end of 2018 a number of contractors approached the firm to say they had not received payment.

He had managed to cover his tracks by using various methods, including partially paying contractors and sending the remainder to his account.

He also changed account numbers for customers as part of the deception.

Moore, of Lansdowne Avenue, Castleford, admitted what he had done during a disciplinary meeting and he was dismissed from the firm.

However, he quickly gained employment at a second firm and just a month after starting, a customer rang to say they had not been paid.

Moore was tasked to look into the issue but failed to do so. It was eventually found that he had redirected £1,603 to his own accounts.

Moore admitted two counts of fraud by false representation.

No mitigation was presented to the court by his barrister, but Judge Robin Mairs made reference to Moore's gambling issue during sentencing.

He gave him a two-year jail term, suspended for two years, and added: "If I locked you up you would not be able to pay the companies that you owe compensation.

"You amended bank details to pocket just over £26,000.

"You have taken significant steps to address your gambling addiction.

"You are now in employment and you are well thought of."