A MAN who defrauded a Blackwood business of more than £3,500 in a “massive deceit” has avoided prison.

Kyle Bishop, aged 23, was found guilty of fraud by false representation on March 12 at Newport Magistrates’ Court. He had denied the charge.

Bishop made false discount entries on hundreds of products from Let It Grow Hydro store in Pengam between May 28 and July 15 last year.

The district judge at Newport Magistrates’ Court said the defendant had shown a “gross breach of trust” and had “badly let down” his employer.

Gary Hagerty, who owns the garden supplies store at St Davids Industrial Estate, said he gave the job to Bishop after a recommendation from his own mother.

Mr Hagerty, 43, said: “He tried to take everybody for a fool. He denied it all the way when the evidence [against him] was so overwhelming.

“He was putting hundreds of products through the till and giving them 100 per cent discounts and pocketing the money. The dearest product was £129.99.

“I know he’s only 23, but he’s nothing but an opportunist. From the moment he was left alone he was stealing.”

Bishop, of Gwerthonor Place in Gilfach, was given a 16 weeks prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was told to pay £3,000 in compensation, costs of £620, and a £80 victim surcharge. Bishop was also given a curfew where he would not be allowed to leave his address between 8pm and 7am.