Manager stole thousands from Tenpin Bowling in Southampton

Stephen Ryan Hamilton had been working at Tenpin Bowling for ten months when he stole £5,265 in coins - and some notes.

The court heard, how the 38-year-old had stayed late at the site in Auckland Road and then ordered cocaine.

But - on his way home, Hamilton claimed he was threatened by a Romanian gang.

And, if he didn’t steal the money from his employer ‘things’ would happen to his family.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, he stood to be sentenced for a single count of burglary, which he denied.

Stephen Ryan Hamilton outside Southampton Crown Court

He was found guilty of the charge following a trial at the same court earlier this year.

Hamilton, formerly of Shetland Close, Totton, was also charged with perverting the course of justice.

Prosecution barrister, Tim Moores told how a jury had been unable to reach a decision.

A not guilty verdict has since been recorded and will lie on file.

Defending, Andrew Houston, said that his client “still maintains that he was under threat. He was scared for the safety of his family”.

He stressed that Hamilton “has clearly made significant effort with his drug addiction” since the offence on September 19, 2019.

Furthermore, he argued that £3,797 of the money had been recovered.

At sentence, Judge Peter Henry recounted what had been said during Hamilton’s trial.

He said: “The circumstances are that on this particular night you remained at your workplace until late. You ordered and then received cocaine from your supplier.”

He added: “And your account to the jury that was on your way home you were stopped by some Romanians in their car, and you were threatened that if you did not go back to your [work] place and get the money from the safe that things would happen to your partner and your children.”

Judge Henry jailed him for 18 weeks but suspended the sentence for 18 months.

He ordered him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay Tenpin £1,468 in compensation.