A KM Group telesales worker has avoided jail after submitting false records to meet monthly targets and receive bonuses.

Simon Luckhurst, 26, of Portland Road, Gillingham was also pocketing cash payments from customers placing genuine adverts.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that over an 18-month period Luckhurst stole £7,725 from the KM Group and was paid £9,198 in bonuses.

He admitted theft and fraud and was given an 18 week sentence suspended for two years. He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was immediately dismissed from work when his dishonesty was discovered.

The court was told Luckhurst, who is now working in his mother-in-law's shop, intends to pay the money back.