Railway station cafe manager avoids jail after thefts

The manager of the cafe at Stoke Railway Station stole £2,903 over a period of nine months.

Mark Buchanan had worked there for 17 years, North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court heard.

Sandra Whitehurst, prosecuting, said the moment auditors arrived the defendant fully admitted everything.

He said he had taken it because he had a problem.

Buchanan, aged 37, of Cornwallis Street, Stoke, pleaded guilty to theft and was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with supervision.

He was also ordered to pay £2,903 compensation.