A worker described as “highly trusted” has admitted stealing more than £60,000 from a Pontypool engineering company over a period of time, a court has heard.
Deri Thomas, 47, pleaded guilty to theft from his employer, Flamgard Engineering Ltd, based in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool. The case has shocked those connected to the business, given the level of trust Thomas had been given within the company.
Flamgard Engineering is a well established firm in the area, and Thomas had built up a reputation as a reliable and trusted member of staff before the theft came to light. That trust, it turns out, gave him the access and opportunity he needed to siphon off tens of thousands of pounds from the business.
The theft of £60,000 is a significant blow to any company, but particularly damaging for a regional engineering firm where every pound counts. Businesses like Flamgard depend on loyal staff to keep operations running, and cases like this can have a lasting impact not just financially but on workplace morale and trust across the board.
Thomas has now admitted his guilt, and the case will proceed to sentencing where a judge will decide the appropriate punishment for what prosecutors have outlined as a serious and calculated breach of trust by someone who was in a position of responsibility.
Details around exactly how the money was taken and over what period have not yet been fully aired in court, but the guilty plea means the case moves forward without the need for a full trial. Sentencing is expected to follow in due course.