Pub regulars rally to recoup stolen tips (From Gazette & Herald)

Pub regulars rally to recoup tips stolen from staff at The Crown Inn in Hutton-le-Hole

11:57am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News

REGULARS at a Ryedale pub have helped raise hundreds of pounds for staff members after their collection of tips was stolen.

A pie and pea supper was held at The Crown Inn in Hutton-le-Hole to help recoup some of the money taken by a waitress employed at the pub.

Manager Jake Leonard said the tips had taken as part of a theft of almost £4,200.

“We were stunned when we realised it was a member of our staff who had been responsible for the theft and felt very let down,” he said.

“The staff were devastated because many of them had been planning to use their share of the tips from customers to buy Christmas presents.”

Mr Leonard said that when customers had heard about their plight, they had decided to organise a pie and peas supper for the staff.

“Everyone was marvellous and I know the staff were very grateful,” he said.

“People were also very generous. Even one of our suppliers, Carlsberg, donated a barrel of beer towards the cause with the result that with the pies and peas, we were able to offer our supporters a pint.”

Richard Murray Wells, owner of The Crown Inn, said it had been devastating when they discovered a member of staff had been stealing from the company.

“As things are at the moment, businesses need every pound but although we would rather it had not happened, at least there was a happy ending,” he added.

“We would like to thank everyone for their help and support, especially at this time of year.”

• Jessica Ellen Coote-Sellers, 22, from Kirkbymoorside, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to the theft of nearly £4,200 from The Crown Inn. She was given a six month suspended prison sentence.