Barman who stole £60,000 from Northamptonshire hotel jailed

Piotr Szitler, aged 37, of Wheat Close, Daventry, stole cash from Fawsley Hall during his time working in the Stables bar at the premises.

Northampton Crown Court heard Szitler stole money when he cashed up his till at the end of the day. He covered his tracks by not putting through drinks orders he had taken money for.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said Szitler was arrested after his manager became suspicious and checked back the receipts from his till.

Szitler was arrested and analysis of his bank account revealed he had deposited large amounts of money between January 2011 to September 2014.

The court heard that Szitler “could not explain” why he had stolen the money but claimed he “was not earning a lot of money” and used the money to help fund his lifestyle rather than any lavish purchases.

Szitler’s barrister said his client saw it as “easy money.”

Recorder Helen Malcolm QC said Szitler’s crime was a “breach of trust”.

She sentenced Szitler, who pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and converting criminal property, to 14 months in jail. He is likely to serve half in custody before being released on licence.

Szitler, of Poland, will also be deported when he is released from custody.