A 29-YEAR-OLD Stourbridge security guard who stole photocopying equipment from his employers which he sold on ebay has been hit hard in the pocket by a Judge.

Wolverhampton Crown Court Judge Nicholas Webb told Sajid Ali, who worked for Eon, he was able to avoid sending him straight to jail because he had been extremely frank after surrendering himself to police.

The Judge said: "Quite often people who steal from their employers lose their liberty. I am not going to send you away but I am going to hit you financially."

Ali, of Bedcote Place, admitted theft and was ordered to carry out 150 hours Community Punishment, to pay £3,276 compensation and £1,000 court costs.

Paul Reid, prosecuting, said Ali took three pieces of equipment valued at £3,276 and he sold them on for £1,245 on the ebay service.

After going to police he told officers he tried to pay back the money but he was suspended by the firm and it was then he resigned from his job in security.

Mr Reid said it was accepted Ali had been given permission to sell old stock by the firm but the items in the charge were brand new.

The Judge told Ali, a man of previous good character: "Stealing from your employers is a very serious offence but I am able to take into account a number of matters on your behalf."

He said Ali had also given himself up to police and the matter had been hanging over his head for some months while he was held on remand.