A former venue manager at TSG Geelong has been sentenced over the theft of more than $60k to fund a gambling habit.
36-year-old Adrian Benne worked as a manager at The Sporting Globe in Geelong for several years, until cash discrepancies were discovered to the tune of $64,500, leading to charges being laid.
Benne appeared before Geelong Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he pleaded guilty to dishonesty-related offences.
Magistrate Simon Guthrie was told Benne had a serious gambling addiction at the time. His defence lawyer, Amanda Hurst, explained he was extremely remorseful, has been honest about his actions with people in his life, and done extensive counselling.
The defence also produced several character references – importantly, including one from James Sinclair, director of Signature Hospitality, which owns The Sporting Globe.
Hurst also cited his prior good record, asking the court to not impose a conviction.
Magistrate Guthrie said he considered jailing Benne for six months, but was swayed by his remorse and other material presented to the court, notably that the money stolen had been repaid.
He did however elect to impose a conviction, suggesting a message of deterrence had to be established.
“It was a balancing exercise in these current circumstances because, in my view, this is a significant breach of trust from somebody who is in a position of responsibility,” said Guthrie.
This week Benne was sentenced to a community correction order of 200 hours unpaid work over the next 15 months.
