A BMW salesman’s theft of thousands of pounds in cash from a safe at his dealership has been described as remarkably stupid by a judge.

Darren Cartwright (37) of Rabys Row, Scorrier, went on trial at Truro Crown Court on December 23, accused of stealing £3,000 from his then employer.

He denied taking the money which was placed in the safe at Ocean BMW in Falmouth after one of his colleagues sold a vehicle.

Prosecuting Ramsay Quaife said the payment was made on March 24 but two days later, staff realised the money had not yet been banked, reports the West Briton newspaper.

"That irregularity was discussed in the presence of this defendant," said Quaife.

"Moments later this defendant asked for the keys for the safe in order to apparently return a car key.

"He went to the safe alone and it was at that moment the prosecution say that he brazenly stole the £3,000 that was in the safe."

Quaife said the theft was discovered the following day and reported to the police, who interviewed staff members.

Cartwright was arrested but denied taking the money and was released on police bail.

On April 1, Anthony Scrivener, the dealer principal, walked into his office and found an envelope on his desk containing £3,000.

Cartwright's fingerprints were found on the money and envelope.

He was found guilty of theft by the jury.

Judge Simon Carr said it had been a "remarkably stupid act" in a moment of madness.

Cartwright was sentenced to a community order with 150 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay £1,500 towards the costs of the prosecution.