Friend almost cost family its business

6:50am Friday 29th August 2008

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A Chessington family has told how they almost lost their business after a close friend stole almost £4,000 from them.

Peter Rowland, who runs chauffeur business PR Cars, employed old school friend Thomas Mustoe, 24, as a favour, when he developed a cannabis addiction and dropped out of Kingston University.

Mustoe admitted three counts of theft, pocketing money every week from three of the family’s businesses when he was asked to deposit it at the bank.

He was given a six month suspended prison sentence at Kingston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He was also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work, pay back all £4,394 to the Rowlands in compensation and attend a drug rehabilitation programme over the next 12 months.

Mustoe worked as an office administrator at his friend’s firm and was responsible for answering phones, taking bookings and “general admin”.

He was paid £125 a week - his pay being docked of a previous loan - which was not enough to fund his £20-a-day cannabis habit.

The former Kingston Grammar School pupil is part of a “family of high flyers” who were unaware he had dropped out of university and acquired debts, Mr Rowland claimed.

In court, defence solicitor Gary Bromelow read aloud positive character references from more than six friends and family members, most of whom were sitting in court to support him.

Magistrate Annette Reardon criticised Mustoe for betraying a close friend’s trust and, despite warning him he could have gone straight to prison, added: “Do not think that this is a less serious punishment. A lot is expected of you over the coming 12 months.”

Mr Rowland’s two sisters, who ran a dance school and beauty businesses, were also victims of Mustoe’s stealing when he was asked to bank money on their behalf.

Six members of their family were in court to see him sentenced.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Rowland said: “The only reason we are still afloat is because I was given some money by my mother.

“If we have a bad month it could spell the end of the business.”

Mr Rowland stood by his decision to report his friend to police and said he hoped Mustoe will now get the help he needs for drugs.