A Picton man used a computer booking system to steal $1295 from his employer, Strait Shipping.
Michael Allan Patterson, 24, admitted obtaining money by deception when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.
Judge Richard Russel said there was some degree of sophistication in hiding the thefts, which took place between May and November 2009.
"Employers should be able to trust employees. You've badly let yourself down."
He sentenced Patterson to 170 hours' community work.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Patterson had been in charge of booking passengers on the ferry. He accepted cash from customers, but booked the fares using credit intended for customers whose sailings were cancelled.
Defence counsel Gary Sawyer said Patterson had since repaid the money to the company.
It was company policy to give customers credit when sailings were cancelled, which was valid for six months. Patterson used credit which was almost expired to "balance the books", Mr Sawyer said.
Patterson stole the money because he held the lease to a flat and his flatmate was temporarily unable to pay rent, he said.
The Marlborough Express
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