Former Officeworks staffer stole almost $50,000
Store manager uncovers colleague's refund rort.
A former Officeworks manager who stole almost $50,000 from the company by sending refunds to his own bank account has apologised to the company for his actions.
James Henry, 34, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft before he was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order by the ACT Supreme Court prior to Christmas.
Henry had worked as a retail coordinator at Officeworks in Fyshwick, a managerial position in which he was able to process refunds of over $200, which was more than what other staff were allowed to do.
Between 2021 and 2022 Henry processed 260 refunds, totalling nearly $49,500, onto his own Mastercard and then into his bank account.
His thefts continued over 13 months when a store manager noticed anomalies during a refund stocktake and numerous refunds being made to his bank card.
The manager also looked at security camera footage, which showed Henry committing one theft – a refund worth $817.
In a letter to Officeworks, Henry said that what he had done was “a terrible mistake”.
Justice Taylor was satisfied an ICO was appropriate in the circumstances and also made a reparations order, ordering Henry to repay about $48,000 to Officeworks.
Date Published:
8 January 2024