The 47-year-old Stephen Endreson is expecting a long jail sentence after pleading guilty at Ipswich Crown Court of sealing more than £140,000 from his employer to satisfy his gambling addiction.
During the theft, Endreson was working at Wrightfield Ltd. At first he was accused of stealing exactly £142,559.97 over a period of two months from the company that produces food conveyors. However, according to prosecutor Martin Ivory, the amount had been reassessed and it was £852.97 less which means that the total amount stolen is £141,707.
The court hearings took place between January 5 and March 4, 2014. The lawyer representing Endreson, Ian James, said that his client has occasionally addictive personality traits and he is now receiving counseling while in prison for his addictive gambling problem. The lawyer also asked Judge David Goodin to order a pre sentencing report before Endreson is sentenced. The judge however, wasn’t prepared to make an order at this stage, but he heard that if an order is made it can be undertaken on the day of the sentencing.
The count was told that Endreson who lives in Dereham, Norfolk will likely be sentenced to prison. That is why James felt that a pre-sentencing report might make a difference to the length of the term. Endreson will also take part in Proceeds of Crime hearing and if everything turns out okay, his assets will be confiscated and he will go toward paying back for what he did.
The case is adjourned for sentencing until August 12, 2014. Endreson will appear in person before the court hearing. The Proceeds of Crime hearing will not take place until October. Until then, Endreson will remain in custody.