AN EXECUTIVE officer with the Passport Agency used his work-issued credit card for personal expenditure, a court heard.

Andrew Witt bought a laptop computer and accessories, totalling £2,230, and a mobile phone as a present for his girlfriend, costing £169.

He also paid her rail fare to join him in London while he was working in the capital, all on his Government procurement card.

Durham Crown Court heard that the 28-year-old officer, a civil servant since 1991, was part of the procurement and accommodation team which helped to set up the new UK Passport Office in the city in 2000.

He was given the card to buy work-related goods and services, although he was unable to make cash withdrawals.

Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said managers became concerned about use of the card and an investigation was made which revealed the transactions.

Nigel Edwards, in mitigation, said Witt lost his job, his pension scheme and his good name, "for just four acts of stupidity".

"The credit limit on the card was £50,000. Had this man been a serious criminal, he could have run up a bigger bill than he did," he said.

Mr Edwards added that at the time Witt was undergoing a divorce, and there was a lot of stress at work relating to the setting up of the new passport office. Since then, he has become a father and has found another job.

Witt, of Broomside Lane, Belmont, Durham, admitted four charges of obtaining by deception and was given a 120-hour community punishment order.

He was also ordered to pay £247 compensation, as the court was told the agency has kept the computer.

Recorder Roger Thorn QC said: "It's sad to see someone in your position, but you hardly came clean at first and tried to bluff it out. You came close to going to prison.