A MAN concocted bogus memos to swindle Manchester City Council out of nearly £4,000.

But city council chief cashier Stephen Ratcliffe, aged 42, repaid the cash within two days of the thefts coming to light, thanks to the generosity of his family.

Manchester magistrates heard he was now on benefits and had debts of more than £20,000.

Ratcliffe, of St Austell Drive, Bury, was given a two-year rehabilitation order and 100 hours community service.

He admitted three counts of theft involving £3,900 between May and September.

Cathy Cundy, prosecuting, said Ratcliffe concocted three bogus memos requesting money for special projects -- and the cash went into his pocket. Peter Thompson, defending, said since his arrest Ratcliffe had curbed his drinking, and the Citizens' Advice Bureau was helping him to sort out his debts.

The court heard Ratcliffe had apologised to his former council colleagues for putting them under suspicion. He was ordered to pay £118 costs.