A PARTS manager who failed to keep up with the demands of his job at a car dealership in Bradford has had a "close shave" in avoiding prison, a judge said.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Andrew Maddison, 44, had allowed things to "get out of control" in his role at Albert Farnell Ltd between July 2013 and February 2014, resulting in losses to the company of more than £3,500.

He had pleaded guilty to a charge of false accounting at an earlier hearing, after admitting manipulating the stock control process and falsifying documents to show that cash refunds for parts had been paid to customers.

John Batchelor, representing Maddison, of Home Lea, Rothwell, Leeds, said: "He couldn't face up to the fact that he wasn't in control of stock issues and not meeting new targets.

"He knew his job was at risk, and took shortcuts and manipulated systems."

Sentencing Maddison (pictured), Judge Mark Savill said: "You became overwhelmed by changes in the business and cut the books to try to cover up your failings.

"This wasn't a faceless business, and managers and colleagues would have been disgusted and betrayed by your behaviour.

"What you have done does have an impact, and does have victims.

"Simply put, you have had a very close shave."

Maddison was given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £3,558.16 in compensation, plus £340 costs.