A 23 year old man who stole over $170,000 from his former employer was sentenced to 2 and a half years imprisonment by the Suva High Court this afternoon.

William Valentine pleaded guilty to 67 counts of forgery, uttering forged documents and obtaining money by virtue of forged documents.

The court heard that Valentine, while being employed as a Copra purchasing officer with Ocean Soaps, had access to payment vouchers and cheque books where he forged the signature of the general manager of the company on 67 separate occasions and obtained over $170,000 from the company.

In mitigation he told Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando that he is married with three children with the youngest being two months old.

He also apologized to his former employer for what he had done.

Judge Fernando while handing down the sentence stressed that the entire thing was preplanned by Valentine where he systematically stole money from his employer over a period of time.

He said that a deterrent sentence is warranted and he cannot give a suspended sentence.

Justice Fernando sentenced Valentine to 2 and half years imprisonment each on the four counts to be served concurrently and ordered that Valentine is to serve a minimum of two years behind bars before being considered for parole.