Manager embezzled £ 19,000 from city bar

AMANAGER at a popular bar and restaurant embezzled more than £ 19,000 from the premises. James Killen, 36, stole the cash from Lebowskis in Glasgow’s Finnieston between October 22 and 30, 2018.

Killen, of Auchterarder, was employed as the general manager at the time.

He took advantage of a new banking system to swipe £ 19,059.

Killen was caught after an audit into the banking process took place.

Killen pleaded guilty to the single charge of embezzlement at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The court heard that Killen was employed as general manager of Lebowskis from 2015 until his 2018 arrest.

Two duty managers also worked with him at the time.

The owners of Lebowskis emailed senior employees, including Killen, about a new banking process in August 2018.

This stated that it was the responsibility of the duty managers to process and collate the takings.

The cash as well as a printout of the takings were to be kept together.

The takings would be banked and a receipt obtained the following day.

A company audit by a senior manager took place in October 2018.

Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “It became apparent that no banking receipts were available from October 22 to October 30. On checking with the bank, it was confirmed that this was not done.”

Management spoke to Killen who provided “no explanation” but issued an apology for not following the new process. He claimed that “personal issues” were to blame.

Killen was suspended pending an investigation which found that he had told the duty managers that he would be the only person dealing with the takings. Killen would come in on his days off to do this.

Ms Keel added: “During those dates, the amount that should have been banked was £ 19,059.06.”

She added: “What Killen did with the money is unknown to the prosecutor.”

Killen was arrested and gave a “no comment” interview when quizzed.

Brian Fitzpatrick, defending, told the court that Killen is in full- time employment and has no criminal record.

The lawyer added: “He was going through a difficult personal period – there was a marital breakdown leading to excessive drinking and his judgment was affected.”

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until January by Sheriff Iain Fleming.

He said: “Don’t construe that by your bail being continued that you will avoid a custodial sentence.”