The former assistant manager of a Chester bike shop who stole nearly £19,000 from the family-run business has been jailed.

Stephen Sharkey, 34, of Blackthorn Close, Huntington, previously pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud by false representation at The Bike Factory, Boughton.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court – sitting at Chester Magistrates Court – on Tuesday, August 6, Sharkey was handed a two-year prison sentence.

Prosecuting, Peter Hussey said Sharkey made 34 fraudulent transactions at the business between October 2020 and August 2022, totalling £18,886.90.

Sharkey had been an employee at the business for 17 years, rising through the ranks to be in a position of trust where he had access to payment systems.

But problems with his timekeeping led to his dismissal in 2022. After he was let go, the offences came to light, where it transpired Sharkey had been processing fake refunds from the business account to his own account.

Investigation of the firm's CCTV showed Sharkey would cover the front of the card so the number was disguised from the camera's view.

In a business impact statement, Bike Factory co-owner Helen Quinn said the offending had caused a "great deal of upheaval" with them having to spend up to £2,000 on security measures, and staff morale had "plummeted".

Defending, Adam Antoszkiw said Sharkey had been very candid in his pre-sentence report, and working at the Bike Factory was all Sharkey had ever known, noting he had a "good work ethic".

The defendant had significant issues with cocaine, alcohol and gambling, which caused "significant debts", and had sought help to address his gambling addiction.

But Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett noted the defendant accepted he continued to take drugs.

Sentencing, Judge Everett said it was not just the loss of money, but the loss of trust which was significant for the business, adding there was a sophisticated element to Sharkey's crime by obscuring which card he was using on CCTV.

He added that one of the fraudulent transactions – for £800 – must have come when Sharkey knew he was going to be dismissed from the company, and so the defendant had taken "revenge".

The judge said, on balance, he did not think there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and sentenced Sharkey to prison. Due to the prison sentence, no compensation was ordered.