An RSPCA worker has admitted stealing pet food worth more than £13,000. Paul Sanders worked as a contracts facilities manager for the charity's Bristol branch.
A court heard he plundered £13,290 of pet food. Suspicions were raised when he was often seen loading his car with black bags before an inquiry established a large over-spend on pet food.
Sanders, 56, of Lays Lane in Blagdon, pleaded guilty to theft between July 2012 and July 2013.
Recorder M. D. P. Allen QC gave him a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 12 months of mental health treatment and supervision.
Sanders was told to pay back all the money or face 12 months in prison in default.
The judge told him: "It was a breach of trust but the mitigation is that you are of previous good character, you are genuinely remorseful and have emotional and psychiatric issues."
James Bromige, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court Sanders started work at Bristol Cats and Dogs Home in 1999 but left in 2013 after his offending came to light.
RSPCA general manager Edward Grinham became suspicious in the summer of 2013, when he often saw Sanders' car parked at a bay where the pet food was kept. Mr Bromige said: "The charity found a large overspend in cat and dog food on the previous year."
Sanders was talked to and denied responsibility, but was suspended on full pay, the court heard.
When police were called in he made full and frank admissions and said he realised what he was doing was wrong and he had wanted to stop. He admitted selling the food on the internet and at car boot sales.
Virginia Cornwall, defending, said her client had suffered from depression and was being treated for the condition. She said he was on a year's waiting list for therapy.
Miss Cornwall said: "He wants to return to gainful employment of some sort.
"I have explained offences of this nature ordinarily merit a custodial sentence."
The court heard Sanders had fallen into debt in the past but had not needed the money he stole and had simply used it for day to day needs or put it to one side.
