Clarks manager jailed for £16,000 Brecon, Powys stock theft

Allyn Lee Hooper, 30, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting the theft from the Clarks store which he ran in Brecon between July 2018 and September 2020.

Recorder Eugene Egan told the dad of two young children that the offending was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence would be appropriate.

He said: "I acknowledge others will suffer - your family - but you knew what you were doing. You played high stakes with your eyes wide open, and it went on and on and on."

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Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that an audit into the Brecon shop found that "employee number six" - which was Hooper - was processing cash refunds but the stock was not being returned. Another employee noticed there were cash sales that should have been banked but were instead being refunded.

Hooper was sacked from his role as manager and twice interviewed by police in 2021 and 2022 about the situation.

Defending barrister Nik Strobl told the court Hooper's offending "snowballed" and that his "own actions has placed himself in this position".

He said: "The strongest additional damage outside value is some effect to the business and the betrayal felt by the victim by a man he trusted to run the store.

"Any immediate custodial sentence will have a real impact. He is the sole provider for his family meaning the family home will be lost which will have a dramatic effect on his partner and children aged eight and six.

"There is real punishment, not only through loss of good name, but he will have to pay the money back."

Sentencing Hooper, of Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, to 15 months in prison which will be served half on licence, Recorder Egan said: "You were the manager of Clarks in Brecon. You stole £16,000 over period of two years. This was dishonest on multiple occasions. You knew each and every time it was dishonest, It was breathtaking arrogance keep offending time after time. You spectacularly failed to set an example.

"You let down [franchise manager] Mr Bates and others in that shop really badly and the ripple effect is felt by Mr Bates and others who worked there.

"I acknowledge others will suffer such as your family but you knew what you were doing you played high stakes with eyes wide open and it went on and on and on it’s so serious only immediate custody is appropriate."

A proceeds of crime hearing was fixed for mention on September 8.