A 46-YEAR-OLD man who admitted embezzling more than £14,000 from his place of work has been ordered to pay the money back.

Matthew Burrell pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to stealing £14,313.02 in his capacity as branch manager of Wolseley, formerly known as the Plumb Centre, based at Netherdale Industrial Estate in Galashiels.

The offence happened between March 1 and September 14, 2022.

The court heard that Burrell, of Huntlyburn Terrace, Melrose, had suffered from a gambling addiction.

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But his partner had just sold a property and he was in a position to pay the money back.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: "He has taken full responsibility and shown remorse."

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a compensation order for £14,313.02.

Burrell was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work as an alternative to custody.