Bexhill dad jailed for stealing sex toys

During a trial at Hastings magistrates court in August the bench heard how Bartholomew had failed to deliver the week's takings to the head office on the Castleham Industrial Estate.

Owner Cathleen Sutton and area manager Vincent Connolly became concerned and went to his Bexhill address where they found him.

Bartholomew said the money was in his caravan on the Ridge and Ms Sutton proceeded to drive him there.

Prosecuting David Knight said: "They got to the end of the road and the defendant said 'I'm sorry I've spent the money.'

"Ms Connolly took him straight o Bexhill Police Station where he was arrested."

Officers carried out a search of his address as a result and found cans of female attractant spray and 22 pornographic DVDs.

They also raided his caravan and car where they found two lubricated fake vaginas, one black pump, a white dildo, batteries and lubricant.

When interviewed by police Bartholomew said he had taken the items after becoming frustrated by the lack of pay from his employees.

Taking to the stand, area manager Vincent Connolly said suspicions had been aroused after takings fell dramatically in Bartholomew's second week of employment.

He said: "His (Bartholomew) first week was a good one with takings of 737. The second week takings fell to 109 and the third week takings were just 11." This represented an 80 to 90 per cent drop in profit.

Bartholomew, who defended himself, said that takings had dropped because the World Cup was on and everyone was pre-occupied with football.

At sentencing this week Bartholomew said a custodial sentence would 'destroy his life'.

Bartholomew denied three counts of theft of unknown value between May 30 and June 26, but was found guilty after trial.

At sentencing this week Bartholomew said a custodial sentence would 'destroy his life'.

He said: "I lost my first job when they found out I had this coming up.

"I have two children and I don't want to lose contact with them.

"I have just started training as a dance instructor for ballroom and jazz. I have no intention of appearing in court again."

Chair of the bench Alison Carragher said: "This offence is so serious that only custody is appropriate. You were in a position of trust and you tried to place suspicion upon the other employees."

Bartholomew was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment.