The former manager of a popular Cheltenham pub has been jailed for 18 months for stealing thousands of pounds from the hostelry.

Steven Holmes, 35, of Cae Bracia, Bridgend, South Wales wept as he was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court today.

Holmes, father of a six-year-old son, stole £14,225 from the Bottle of Sauce in Albion Street, Cheltenham, between July 2017 and January 2018, the court was told.

He was responsible for cashing up at the end of shifts and for banking the money.

Most of the cash went missing when Holmes was on duty and it stopped disappearing after he was dismissed.

His Honour Judge Ian Lawrie QC told Holmes: "You were employed in a responsible position and you breached a high degree of trust in the wort possible way.

"Over a period of seven months you stole a significant amount of money for a small company."

Earlier, defending lawyer Lloyd Jenkins said; "His gambling habit maybe a far bigger problem than he admits.

"He has a loving family and good friends and he has let them all down. His family, especially his mother, is devastated.

"He has a young son and he is a good father."

Mr Jenkins urged the judge "not to crush this man" with a lengthy prison sentence.

The court also heard that the Bottle of sauce was now doing very well and has been named Cheltenham pub of the year for the second year running.