Sunny Bhayani, from Surrey, pleaded guilty this week at Aylesbury Crown Court after stealing tens of thousands of pounds from his employer, bed retailer Dreams Limited.

For a year between January 2017 and January 2018, the retail assistant performed a number of fraudulent reimbursements to customers, committing fraud in the region of £51,794.

But instead of refunding the money to the legitimate recipients, Bhayani rerouted the funds to his personal bank accounts by transferring the funds to his personal cards, which he owned and had full control over.

Detective Constable Gemma Thompson, investigating officer at Thames Valley Police, said: ‘This has been an extraordinarily long and complex investigation that has taken over five years and involved a large number of officers.

‘Mr Bhayani held a position of trust which he took advantage of and he neglected the financial interests of the company. I’m extremely pleased with this result and that he is required to repay all of the money he stole from his employer.’

Appearing at Aylesbury Crown Court, Bhayani was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position.

He was also ordered to pay £565 in costs, alongside repaying £51,794.27 at £1,075 a month. He will also have to wear an electronic tag with a curfew of six months, and complete 250 hours’ unpaid work within 12 months.