Ex-bar manager denies £20k theft from Reds

A 29-YEAR-OLD man has denied stealing £20,000 from Llanelli AFC while working there as a bar manager.

David Keith Stanlake, of Penyfan Road, pleaded not guilty to stealing £20,000 belonging to The Reds between November 1, 2010 and October 1, 2011 when appearing before Llanelli Magistrates' Court.

Stanlake also denies fraud by false representation — namely submitting false weekly return forms — for the value during the same period of time.

Prosecuting, Gerald Neave said: "This is not a case suitable for summary trial.

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"The defendant was employed as a bar manager and it is alleged that he breached the trust by altering weekly takings.

"In view of the money involved and the possible breach of trust it is not suitable for a summary trial."

Defending, Andrew Issac said: "This is a firm not guilty plea and a vociferous denial."

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Stanlake will now re-appear before the court for committal to Swansea Crown Court on Thursday, October 25.

He has been given conditional bail and must not contact witnesses or committee members of Llanelli AFC directly or indirectly. Away from this court case, the Reds have been in the news recently as a result of money they owe to a number of parties.

As reported previously, the club has been given less than two weeks to address ongoing financial concerns or they could face being kicked out of the Welsh Premier League. Chairman Nitin Parekh earlier this month settled an outstanding tax bill after HM Revenue & Customs issued a winding-up order against the club.

But it is understood other creditors are still owed money, while players are chasing sums in unpaid wages.

If Llanelli do not sort out the difficulties by September 30, the Reds will fail the Uefa Financial Fair Play test for that quarter of the year.

Having also failed in the first quarter, Llanelli would then be looking at suspension from European competition, and that is also likely to affect their application for a domestic licence to play in next year's Welsh top flight.

They would face the prospect of being relegated to MacWhirter Welsh League Division One, plunging the whole future of the club into doubt.

Llanelli are owed money by Uefa after qualifying for the Europa League this season — but the cash is not payable until November.

I'm considering my position, warns Legg — see page 62.