A CARLISLE pub worker with a secret cocaine addiction stole from his employer in a desperate bid to settle his drugs debt.

Despite being signed off on the sick from his job at the Apple Tree Pub in Lowther Street, Ryan Wightman, 26, repeatedly sneaked into the office so that he could steal cash from the safe, the city's Rickergate court heard.

The defendant, of Warwick Square, Carlisle, admitted burglary.

Prosecutor Pam Ward outlined how the defendant stole the money between May 9 and May 13. Bosses at the pub became suspicious after it was noticed that money was going missing over that time period.

When the money was checked, managers realised that amounts of cash were going missing for each of those days. On the morning of May 13, four £10 notes went missing and six £5 notes.

Similar amounts disappeared on the other days, as well as pound coins.

Mrs Ward described how an investigation showed money went missing between 5.30pm on May 13 and 10.30pm. CCTV covering that period showed Wightman in the pub’s upstairs office, where he was not authorised to be.

“He was sitting at the computer, doing a quiz sheet; and he then went to the CCTV [monitor] to see where everyone was,” said Mrs Ward. “Once he was sure nobody was coming and everyone was covered by the CCTV, he appeared to go over to the safe.”

The camera recorded the defendant putting money into his shorts pocket. He was also seen putting money into his hoodie’s pouch. Staff also recalled the pub receiving a call a few months ago.

Mrs Ward said: “It was from a male, threatening to come to the pub to get money which he said Mr Wightman owed him.”

The stolen money was taken during four visits to the office by the defendant, while he was off work sick. The total he took was £255. Mrs Ward added: “He made full admissions in interview.

“He was very frank, and admitted taking the money, saying he had no permission to enter the office and no permission to access the safe. He confirmed it was him on the CCTV. He said he needed the cash to pay off a £1,200 drugs debt.”

Andrew Gurney, for Wightman, said: “His life in recent years has been blighted by his addiction to cocaine, which he started using recreationally but then things snowballed, and he got himself into colossal debt.”

The drug dealers involved had made “significant threats”, said Mr Gurney, sending Wightman picture messages of his sister’s and mum’s addresses, with a warning that “action would be taken” if the cash was not paid.

“He panicked,” explained Mr Gurney. “He felt the only way he could get the money was to take it from the safe… He did it out of desperation.”

Since the offence, Wightman had repaid those who threatened him and started a new job, added Mr Gurney.

Magistrates told the defendant, who was cautioned for stealing from an employer in 2016, that he was guilty of a breach of trust. They imposed a 12-month community order.

It will include 15 rehabilitation activity days and 80 hors of unpaid work. He must also pay £85 costs, a £95 victim surcharge, and compensation of £255 to the Apple Tree Pub.

* For those affected by addiction, Cumbria offers CADAS (Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service) and Recovery Steps Cumbria.