A WINCHESTER shop worker who stole thousands of pounds from his employer has avoided a prison sentence.

Nathan Marks abused his position at Hargroves Cycles on City Road to steal thousands of pounds a court heard.

Marks, 27, of Milland Road, Highcliffe, admitted one count of theft and five of false accounting, when he appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

He denied two further allegations of false accounting and the prosecution offered no evidence.

The case was transferred to Winchester Crown Court for sentencing. Marks was given a 12-month community order, ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work and told to pay £2,500 compensation.