A former store manager at JB Hi-Fi has been found guilty of faking receipts and pocketing $22,500 from two Canberra stores.
The Canberra Times reported that Achoe Malarone, 41, took the money through 15 fraudulent transactions, for amounts starting at $800 and up to $2500, between October 2014 and May 2015. The fraud involved false receipts and customers.
Malarone resigned after he was uncovered by a loss prevention officer.
He pleaded guilty at the ACT Supreme Court on 1 February, and was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment to be fully suspended upon entering a two-year good behaviour order.
Malarone's defence lawyer said he was willing to repay the money. Malarone, who did not have a criminal record, was experiencing financial and personal difficulties when the offences started.
The prosecutor suggested Malarone had been living beyond his means, which he rejected. He said he regretted his actions.
The court heard that Malarone was now employed, had stable housing and had a solid family life.
Justice John Burns ordered him to perform 150 hours of community service and repay the business in monthly instalments.
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