Nick Keenan, a former general manager for BOCS Self Storage Ltd. in Colwyn Bay, Wales, was spared jail time after admitting to funneling more than £56,800 from the company to help fund a gambling problem. As part of his scheme, Keenan received ongoing payments from customers directly to his personal bank account. He also used the company’s credit-card processor to channel refunds to his own bank cards, according to a source.
BOCS performed an audit after a colleague became concerned about Keenan’s work. The evaluation revealed that accounts had been manipulated with thousands of “grace days,” so non-payment from customers wouldn’t be flagged for several years, a source reported. When interviewed by police, Keenan, 37, told investigators he was struggling financially and had taken the money to pay for his gambling. The thefts occurred between November 2018 and April 2020.
Keenan was hired in 2016 and was trusted by the company owner and director, who at one point lent him £3,000 to help with his finances. His role at BOCS included access to the company bank accounts, according to a source.
Keenan reportedly turned to gambling after being left by a fiancé. He had obtained a loan for their wedding, which became a burden, according to court testimony. It’s unclear if the £3,000 loan Keenan received from his superiors at BOCS was for the wedding or another purpose.
“He got the job and became a trusted employee and friend,” defense attorney Elen Owen told the court. “He is deeply remorseful for having breached that trust.” Owen also indicated Keenan had taken steps to seek help with his gambling.
Judge Nicola Jones gave Keenan a two-year, suspended sentence and ordered him to meet 20 rehabilitation-activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined £1,000 in compensation and £140 for a victim surcharge.
BOCS offers indoor self-storage units in 12 sizes and a covered loading bay.
Sources:
The Leader, Former Storage Firm Manager Took More Than £56,000 to ‘Fund Gambling Habit’
North Wales Live, Man Who Turned to Gambling After Fiancée Called Off Wedding Swindled £56K From Friend’s Storage Firm
