THE former manager of the Chicken Ranch bar at Britwell Community Centre has been jailed for 30 months and faces a ‘proceeds of crime’ hearing that could lead to his assets being seized.

Chris Faulkner, 58, of Church Road, Old Windsor had denied a charge of theft by an employee, but was found guilty by a jury at Oxford Magistrates' Court.

Last Thursday, July 27 he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment.

He will also have to attend a hearing in December to see if any assets can be recovered.

Former Britwell Parish Council clerk Lynne Booker, 53, of Calbroke Road, Slough was given an 18 months prison sentence, suspended for two years.

She had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to a charge of false accounting.

The theft related to money mainly taken from the bar in Long Furlong Drive by Mr Faulkner.

This was concealed from the council by Mrs Booker in the accounts, which she had falsified before presenting them to the elected members.

A statement this week from Britwell Parish Council said: “The actions of the former centre manager in stealing public money and the former clerk/responsible financial officer then covering up the theft for so long was a crime which has affected the local community.

“These actions led to the closure of the Chicken Ranch bar for over a year.

“This was tax payers’ money and we are pleased on behalf of Britwell residents that justice has been done.”