The manager of a travel agent has been slapped with a community order after she was caught on camera stealing takings.

Cheryl Westbrook had previously been suspended from the Thomson holiday shop in Charter Place, Watford, after money went missing – but she was reinstated and no further action was taken against her.

But the firm installed covert CCTV cameras in the shop and caught Westbrook stealing £300 on two occasions after cashing up.

Prosecutor Neil King told St Albans Crown Court yesterday: “The crown doesn’t say she took the money in the first place, but she was on notice after her suspension.”

The 55-year-old was arrested but denied any involvement during questioning; telling police she and her husband were financially sound.

Westbrook, of Bradbury Close, Borehamwood, initially pleaded not guilty to two charges of theft, but changed her plea on the day of her trial when her former colleagues turned up at court to give evidence.

The judge was told that in January 1984 she received a two-year probation order and was ordered to pay £486 by South Mimms magistrates after being convicted of false accounting and two thefts.

Daniel Murray, defending, said the previous conviction was 31 years ago and that Westbrook's offences had been "needless" as she was not under any financial pressure.

He said her husband had now initiated divorce proceedings, which means she will have to move out of the family home.

Recorder Philip Brook Smith told Westbrook, who cried in the dock, he could have jailed her but he believed probation could benefit her and was the "best way to prevent her from reoffending".

In passing a 12-month community order, the judge told Westbrook: “You had a high degree of trust placed upon you by your employer.”

Westbrook was also given a ten-week women's specific activity programme in which she will attend emotional well-being and positive relationship courses.

Westbrook must pay £600 compensation and £600 costs.