A BANK worker who stole £3,000 from a customer's account to pay off debts walked free from a court yesterday.

Craig Pasco transferred the money to his own account and he was quickly discovered when the customer complained. The bank repaid the money.

Pasco, 20, who worked at the NatWest bank, in Redcar, fell into debt after he left home and could not pay his bills for rent, food and community charge.

Matthew Harding, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that when police arrived on his doorstep, Pasco asked: "Have you come for me?"

Harding told officers about his debts and he said that he had intended to get a loan to repay the bank.

Paul Cleasby, defending, said that it was not a sophisticated theft and that Pasco immediately drew suspicion upon himself.

He had debts of more than £2,000 and he had since found another job which would enable him to repay the bank.

Mr Cleasby said: "He perhaps cut the apron strings too soon and he fell into debt.

"He could not cope with the burden of rent, food and the community charge. In a pre-sentence report, his probability of re-offending is described as low."

Mr Cleasby said: "Other than the offences he has led a law-abiding life."

Judge John Walford said: "Someone who has a casual attitude to debt and a cavalier attitude to dishonesty, cynically taking advantage of his position, needs to be taught a harsh lesson that such behaviour is not acceptable."

However, the judge told him: "You have lost your good name so that is something that can never be said again on your behalf, and I hope that these court proceedings have taught you a lesson in themselves.

"I am going to take account of your age and your previous good character and not hold one mistake, your first mistake, however serious it is, against you."

Pasco of Lumley Road, Redcar, was given 180 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £3,000 compensation to the bank at £300 a month, plus £377 prosecution costs.