Buckley head teacher Andrew Wilkie must repay stolen £53k

A head teacher who stole £53,000 from school funds to finance his gambling addiction has been ordered by a court to pay the money back.

Andrew Thomas Wilkie, 41, was back in court after being released from a 16-month prison sentence for the theft.

Southdown primary school in Buckley, Flintshire, has had to put off plans to build a new hall due to his actions, Mold Crown Court heard.

The judge told Wilkie, of Buckley, that he faced prison if he did not pay.

The financial hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act heard that Wilkie had more than sufficient funds to make the payment, including £100,000 in his home and the value of his car.

As he made the confiscation order Judge Niclas Parry said the money would be used as compensation for the school.

The judge ordered that if the amount is not paid in full then the defendant will have to serve an extra 18 months in prison.