A HIGHLY regarded teacher who stole from colleagues at the Wallasey School in Birkett Avenue, Wallasey, was given a combination order of two years' probation and 100 hours' community work when he appeared before Wirral magistrates for sentence.

Ronald James Povey, 48, from Latchford, Warrington, immediately resigned his £26,000 a year position as head of department in religious education at the school when he was questioned and also paid back the money he had stolen.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of theft of a total of £70 belonging to other staff members and had another 24 matters involving £622 considered.

He was caught stealing from a handbag after video surveillance was set up because of thefts which had been taking place. He blamed matrimonial problems.

The court was told Povey was highly regarded and colleagues could not understand why the offences had been committed.

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