A fraudster who siphoned more than £30,000 from his workplace to cover his gambling debts has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Akilan Selvathiraviam, of Church Drive, Kingsbury, was found to have forged and cashed 36 cheques worth £32,955.99 when working as a finance advisor at Red Letter Days in Southgate. This money was later reimbursed by the company’s bank.

As well as the unpaid work, the 34-year-old was handed a 20 month prison sentence, which is suspended for two years, and must repay the bank within 28 days.

He was sentenced at Wood Green Magistrates Crown Court after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position.

Nicholas Coates, Senior District Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “Akilan Selvathiraviam's dishonesty left his company facing a significant loss to pay for his gambling debts.

“His deceit was discovered by his employers and, when he was told there was CCTV footage of him cashing the cheques he admitted his guilt.

“Fraud is never a victimless crime and whenever there is evidence of financial dishonesty, the CPS will work with police to bring a strong prosecution case.”