A DISGRUNTLED Worcester man forged his last pay cheque after feeling he had been "taken advantage of" by his employer, city magistrates have heard.

Leon Farr added £200 to his final pay cheque of £49.20, before banking it between August and September last year after working as a labourer for a building firm.

Susan Cliff, prosecuting, told magistrates how the company's bookkeeper realised the 21-year-old had banked the increased amount after he had been paid for a day's work.

"When checking the accounts the book-keeper couldn't find the £49.20 being cleared but could find a cheque for £249.20," she said.

"It was the same cheque, as she checked the serial number, but it had been altered and two hundred pounds had been written in with a number two added in the box."

Farr, of Windrush Close, Ronkswood, who works as a decorator, admitted obtaining money by deception.

Joe Kieran, defending, said Farr decided to take the action after feeling he had been 'put upon' by the company while he worked for it during June and July.

"My client was laid off as a decorator due to lack of work, and being a resourceful young man with considerable outgoings, obtained work as a labourer," he said.

"But he formed the opinion he was being taken advantage of. He was working long hours for a variable rate but tolerated it because he had to.

"He worked the final week but was not on the best terms with his boss, so resigned and was allowed to leave on the Friday.

"He didn't receive a payment cheque for some time and when he was handed it, it was significantly less than he was meant to receive. But when he tried to speak to his former boss about it he was always unavailable or didn't return calls."

Relieved

Mr Kieran added Farr became frustrated about the situation and took "foolish" action, which he regretted.

"It wasn't cleverly done and should have been noticed," he said.

"It was five months before it was addressed and my client is now relieved it's come to ahead and he can be punished for what he has done."

Farr was fined £200, ordered to pay £200 compensation and costs of £118.