The former sole charge manager of a New Zealand PostShop in Parliament buildings has escaped a jail sentence after admitting stealing from his employer.
Timothy Russell, 45, was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on Wednesday on charges of theft of just under $49,000 and false accounting.
In 2010, Russell began siphoning money from his employer. His lawyer, Phil Mitchell, said he considered it as borrowing which he would pay back.
Mr Mitchell said his client had worked for New Zealand Post for decades and was caring for a severely unwell child.
Judge Denys Barry sentenced Russell to eight months' home detention, 150 hours of community work and ordered him to pay $43,000 reparation.
