A FORMER Newport County AFC player who admitted defrauding the school he worked at of more than £15,000 to pay off gambling debts has been branded an "idiot" by a judge.

Cortez Belle, who played for The Exiles in 2005, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today, Thursday, after previously admitting two counts of fraud in which he pocketed £15,747.94.

The court heard the 33-year-old, of Orb Drive, Newport, was working as a data manager at Fitzalan High School in Cardiff when he diverted cash intended for the school and a supply teacher into his own bank account.

Lucie Stoker, defending, said her client was "exceptionally remorseful" for his actions.

"But he doesn't want that to be empty words," she said. "He wants to show how sorry he is by repaying (the money) and getting better."

But Rosamund Rutter, prosecuting, said his crime had "a serious impact on the school and staff".

Passing sentence, Deputy Circuit Judge William Gaskell branded Cortez "an idiot".

"You caused a great deal of extensive inconvenience to the people who were working (at the school) and denied children at the school the benefit of the money you pocketed," he said.

Mr Gaskell added he was "not excessively sympathetic" with Cortez's situation, saying "it is entirely of your own making".

"You allowed yourself to get significantly into debt gambling," he said.

"You didn't need to, this was gross stupidly on your part."

He added: "You say you are remorseful, when you certainly should be."

Cortez was handed a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work as well as a rehabilitation activity lasting 40 days.

He was also told to pay back £15,000 in five instalments, with the first payment to be made by December 1 this year and the final payment to be made by April 1, 2019.

He was also handed a three month curfew banning him from leaving his home in Newport between 9.30pm and 6.30am and will be electronically tagged to ensure he abides by the requirements.

He was also ordered to pay £340 in costs within two months and a £140 victim surcharge within three months.