Council revenue collector stole £5,000 to feed gambling habit

Stephen Ferguson, 41, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from his employer when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Monday, and he also asked for 10 other similar offences to be taken into consideration.

In total Ferguson scammed 4,904.04 from the council where he worked as a revenue team leader.

"Part of his role there was to collect outstanding business rates and council tax, usually by drawing up payment plans," said prosecutor Jeremy King.

"On some occasions though residents came into the offices in Bexhill to make direct payments. These 12 customers had paid cash to Stephen Ferguson. He kept the money and altered the records."

Ferguson, of Long beach View, Eastbourne, was arrested in October last year and suspended from his job pending the outcome of the proceedings. In his interview he told police he had a gambling problem and had been under pressure since the birth of his child.

"He said that when he started his intention was to pay the money back but matters got out of hand," said Mr King.

"He has sought help for his gambling and is currently receiving counselling."

Ronan Crummy, defending, said: "There are no more skeletons in his closet - you have heard the case warts and all and there is nothing else going to come out.

"He has not only accepted his guilt but gone further and brought forward other matters the police would not otherwise have known about."

Chairman of the bench Gavin Smith sent the case to Lewes Crown Court for sentence.

He said: "Because there was premeditation, because of the amounts involved, the high position of trust you had with the local authority, the fact you later amended the records and the degree of sophistication involved, we feel this should go to the crown court."

He was bailed while a date for his sentencing hearing is set.

'¢ Rother District Council chief executive Derek Stevens said: "We are appalled by the actions of Mr Ferguson and feel deeply let down by the abuse of trust he demonstrated not just to the council, but more importantly to our residents, businesses and his colleagues.

"We do not tolerate such behaviour and informed the police ourselves when our internal procedures highlighted his actions.

"A full investigation has taken place and procedural changes have been made to ensure such an incident cannot happen again."