Robbie Telfer outside his office in TrowbridgeBOSSES at a parcel delivery firm have spoken of how their trust was betrayed by an employee who stole thousands of pounds worth of goods.

Robbie Telfer, 41, who owns Interlink Express on the White Horse Business Park, Trowbridge, said he could have lost valuable contracts after supervisor Garry Brewer was caught stealing from clients.

Brewer, 27, of Manor Road, Trowbridge, was given a 200-hour community punishment order at Chippenham magistrates' court on Friday after admitting stealing a laptop, a photo jukebox and a model steam train worth £1,125.

Brewer was caught out by an electronic weighing device, which showed he delivered an empty box to a sorting depot in Birmingham, having already stolen a £1,500 laptop computer sealed inside.

Magistrates in Chippenham heard how Brewer admitted stealing the laptop after hearing the box would be tested for fingerprints. Mr Telfer, who owns the franchise parcel firm, which is part of Geopost, said he had trusted Brewer right up until the last minute.

"The trust has been betrayed but it is not just mine," he said.

"We are part of a large network but this is my franchise. In court he was almost saying it was my fault that he was stealing from me.

"He was always boasting about how much he had, but it was because he was stealing from us.

"He was stealing client's goods but it was costing me money through lost business.

"Garry is the last person I thought would have done it. It goes to show you can't be too sure."

The missing laptop sparked further suspicion and police searched Brewer's home and found a stolen model steam train and a photo jukebox.

Defence solicitor Tim Hammick said in court how Brewer was not normally a dishonest person but had a number of pressures in his life, including debts, the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his home.

Mr Hammick said he was working longer hours after a promotion but only earning £50 a month more.

Interlink Express general manager Oliver James, 28, said Brewer was always boasting about money.

"He kept saying to us he never had less than £1,000 in his bank account at any time. He has a nice flash Citroen Xsara and is not hard up for money.

"He is a bit of a con artist and is showing a lack of respect for our company."

Mr Telfer said he was disappointed after magistrates sentenced Brewer to a community punishment order and told him to pay £35 court costs.

"The punishment is disappointing," he said.

"I am not vindictive but I felt he got off a bit light. I think he actually believes his own lies that he is hard done by."