A TRAINEE worker fraudulently obtained more than £1,600 from a Radcliffe accounts firm, a court heard.

Zak Matthew Gallagher (18) was told by magistrates at Rochdale that he avoided going to prison by the "slimmest" margin. Gallagher had pleaded guilty to stealing cash funds to a value of £1,673 belonging to Accounts and Admin Ltd, of Radcliffe. He also admitted a charge of public disorder at a Rochdale hostel.

Now a student at Bury College and part-time nightclub worker, Gallagher had been a trainee at the Radcliffe accounts company.

When his employment was terminated, a check was made on the internet with the company's bank account where it was found an amount of money had been transferred to the defendant's bank account. Gallagher, of Bank Street, Walshaw, Bury, was subsequently arrested and charged with theft.

Defending solicitor Mr Richard Birtwistle said the incident was a very unsophisticated offence of theft from an employer, because Gallagher had transferred money to his bank account, the details of which he had given to his employer on starting out as a trainee.

He said: "It was only a matter of time before the authorities would catch up with him.

As soon as he was interviewed he was open and candid. In respect of both matters he has shown deep remorse," Mr Birtwistle added.

Gallagher was made the subject of a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and a community punishment order for 100 hours. A three-month curfew was also imposed and an order to pay £70 court costs and any outstanding compensation.