A HAIRDRESSER has admitted stealing more than £16,000 from the Ryde salon where he worked.

Nathan Barrier-Close, 36, of Mary Rose Avenue, Wootton, pleaded guilty to theft by employee between January 2018 and November 2019, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday).

The magistrates heard how Barrier-Close had siphoned off £16,553 from Level Hair and Beauty in St Thomas Square, Ryde.

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Ann Smout, prosecuting, said: "He first started work there about seven years ago, later becoming a manager.

"The owner begun to notice discrepancies with the money being put through the till."

When a customer received their bill, Barrier-Close would add on a tip or apply a discount and keep the difference for himself.

In interview he made full admissions to the police and estimated he had taken between £5,000 to £10,000. He had actually taken £16,553.

Barry Arnett, defending, said: "Yes he was a manager, but in name only. He had no more responsibilities than anyone else.

"There was nothing sophisticated about this, and none of the money went on anything illicit, it all went towards essential day to day things such as food."

Barrier-Close will be sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on July 10.