Wedding receptions and parties organised by Vernon Swainson were always adorned with the finest catering equipment.

But guests at the parties did not realise they were handling stolen goods which Swainson had taken from a plush hotel.

Swainson, 59, of Redkiln Road, Hamilton Parish, stole a massive quantity of items while he was working at The Southampton Princess.

The thefts occurred between January and June this year, with the stolen items worth $11,932.65.

During that time Swainson used the goods to organise wedding receptions and other functions to raise extra cash.

Magistrates' Court heared yesterday that Swainson had worked at the Southampton Princess as a mechanic for nine and a half years. He had been promoted to mechanic supervisor over the past couple of years.

Sgt. Earl Kirby, prosecuting, said that the chief security officer at the hotel had been monitoring the goods that had been stolen over a six month period.

"Police started inquiries and went to the defendant's house in Hamilton Parish. Items seized by the Police were identified as belonging to the Southampton Princess Hotel.'' In mitigation, Mr. Tim Marshall said: "All of the property has been recovered by the hotel. Mr. Swainson is indeed remorseful for what has taken place. He has let down some very good people at his place of employment.

"He was using the stolen equipment to supplement his income by selling it and by using it for several weddings and other functions.'' Swainson is a father of six and a grandfather to 12. He also cares for his mother and father who are both in their 80s.

Mr. Marshall asked Acting Senior Magistrate, the Wor. John Judge to be merciful and give Swainson a suspended sentence so he could continue to look after his family.

He said: "He has a long and chequered record but he has now reached that point in his life where he has many responsibilities. He has to set a good example. He knows what he has done is wrong and that will not be repeated.'' Mr. Judge said that a suspended sentence was inappropriate but he said that as an alternative to a prison sentence he would consider putting Swainson on community service.

He said that Swainson's skills as a mechanic would be useful.

The case was adjourned for social inquiry reports.