AN obsessed gambler took money from a fruit machine at Stourport Police Club and used it to play the machine.
He carried none of the cash away, his solicitor, Brian O'Connell, told Kidderminster magistrates. It all went back.
Anthony Hutton, husband of a police officer and a member of the club committee, recognised that he was guilty of theft and breach of trust, Mr O'Connell said.
Hutton, 38, of Burlish Crossing, Stourport, was ordered to undertake 240 hours of community work and to pay £118 costs.
He admitted three thefts by opening the machine and using cash from inside during July and August.
It was not possible to calculate how much money was stolen, said Sally Hill, prosecuting.
A deficit was found and a security camera was installed.
It recorded Hutton using his keys to open the machine, take out the cash then play it back, Miss Hill said.
He stole only the free plays he obtained from the machine, Mr O'Connell told the court.
Hutton was fascinated by the gaming machines and they had become an obsession, he said.
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