Security guard 'hid cash in shoe'

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A security guard stole £20,000 over the course of two years by hiding bank notes in his shoes, a court has heard.

Mathew Dixon, 21, of Ynyshir, Rhondda, was given a 12 month suspended sentence for stealing money meant for cash machines at banks and supermarkets.

He was caught out when police were given an anonymous tip off about his spending, Cardiff Crown Court was told.

Dixon was recommended for the job at Group Four by his father, who manages the security firm's Penarth depot.

The court heard how Dixon's responsibilities included emptying ATMs, counting money and stocking it with more cash.

Prosecutor Richard Evans said: "As he was removing the cash he would put an amount of notes in his hand - then go to the toilet and conceal it in his shoe."

He then used the money to buy a Subaru car and pay off his credit card bill.

He turned his back on God and chose Mammon David Leathley, defending

His assets will be part of an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act and have been seized.

David Leathley, defending, said Dixon was like "a child in a chocolate factory when he found himself with cassettes full of thousands of pounds".

He added that his client, who was described in court as coming from a staunch Christian family who were well trusted in their community, was under pressure to impress his girlfriend.

"There was a battle raging in himself between his fundamental honesty and his addiction to spending money," said Mr Leathley.

"He turned his back on God and chose Mammon."

Recorder Mr Christopher Fox gave Dixon a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and told him to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

"This was a serious breach of trust," said the recorder.