A ROGUE customer service advisor stole almost £8,000 from a Bolton hospital scheme.

At Bolton Crown Court Jamie Neal wept in the dock as he was spared an immediate prison sentence for siphoning cash, meant to pay out claims, into his own bank accounts.

Recorder Anna Vigars QC was told how 28-year-old Neal was one of 12 staff employed by UK Healthcare, the trading name for the historic Bolton and District Hospital Saturday Council.

The not-for-profit organisation, based in Folds Road, Bolton, was set up in the 19th century, paying out money to fund medical and dental treatment for subscribers.

Neal began working for the organisation in November 2011, earning £16,000 a year plus a £1,000 bonus, with part of his role being to process claims.

Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting, said; “The defendant was described by some of the people involved as a hard working and helpful member of staff.”

But, in June last year, discrepancies were found in two of the claims Neal had been handling, with references not matching the claimants’ names and payments made for two claims going into a single account.

“The defendant was noted to be very quiet in the office and apologised for the errors, as he was calling them at that time,” said Miss Crangle.

But an investigation was launched which found that, between January 19 and June 19 last year Neal made 33 payments, amounting to £7,661.60, into three of his own accounts.

“The defendant was asked to come in for an interview but, in fact, he submitted his resignation by email the very next day,” said Miss Crangle.

Neal, now of Haweswater Road, Kettering, was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position.

Miss Crangle added that UK Healthcare had not been badly affected financially but is concerned about its reputation. “Everyone cares passionately about the company’s values which are centred on integrity and honesty,” she added.

Katie Jones, defending, stressed that Neal, who has no previous convictions, is remorseful.

She added that his use of drugs, which led to him running up debts, was behind his offending, but he has now moved out of the area to live with his mother and is seeking help. “The prospect of going to prison fills him with dread,” she said.

Recorder Vigars sentenced Neal to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work. “Don’t find yourself back here again,” she told him. “I won’t — thank you,” replied a tearful Neal.

A proceeds of crime hearing to try and recover the cash Neal stole is set to take place on June 22.