A TRAINEE accountant in Hampshire pocketed more than £13,000 from a client after stealing his cheque book.

Jason Dumper, 21, had access to the book to pay his PAYE and tax returns and used it to transfer cash into his own account.

Richard Willcox, prosecuting at Southampton Crown Court, said his dishonesty didn't come to light until he had left the company.

He said: "The total amount he made off with was £13,878. That total would have been £15,014 but for the bank managing to stop the last cheque before it was cleared.

"The prosecution say this was a gross breach of trust and involved some pre-planning.''

Dumper told detectives he had been thinking about taking the money for some time because he had been short of money.

Some was spent of his car but the rest was spent "going out, living it up, having a social life".

His lawyer, David Jenkins, said Dumper's initial dishonesty had been directed in assisting his girlfriend after she had lost her job. He intended repaying the money

He added: "She then gave him up and he became depressed and carried on offending. There is no possibility of paying back the money.

"He recognises the chance of similar employment has gone. This has been such a shock for him and his family he will never get into trouble again.''

Dumper, of Richlands Road, Hedge End, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft, three offences of making a false instrument and three of using it.

Asking for 34 other offences to be considered, he was jailed for six months.

As Dumper's father sat in the public gallery, Judge Paul Darlow told his son he would have to live with the consequences of his conviction for some time.

He said: "You have caused hurt and shame to those closest to you. It is written in your father's face.''