Ian William Logan (45), whose address was given as c/o Dunmurry PSNI, pleaded guilty to theft when his case was heard at Craigavon Crown Court.

Gambling addict Logan had been tempted by slot machines INSIDE the police station where he worked.

Logan, an officer in a TSG (Tactical Support Group), has been suspended from his job over the offences which were committed between May 31 and November 30, 2005. and he is now facing dismissal from the force.

Prosecuting barrister Michael Chambers told the court on Friday that the TSG had operated a tuck shop from one of the officer's lockers.

"They noticed that money was going missing. It was run on a trust basis, " he said.

After investigation, Logan's colleagues discovered he had taken the cash - which was in the region of £280. Logan was arrested on November 28, 2005 and during an interview the next day he admitted the offence.

Defence barrister Frank O'Donoghue QC said that until detection of the crime, his client was highly regarded by his own community.

Describing Logan as "vulnerable", he mentioned "the availability of facilities" - a reference to the fact that the police station had gambling machines.

Craigavon Crown Court Judge Patrick Markey said: "Things have become very libertarian all round. To think that there are gambling machines in a police station surprises me."

Mr O'Donoghue replied: "It was a relic from the Troubles. The policy has now changed and the machines have been removed."

Judge Markey said Logan knew what he was doing at the time the offences were committed, but due to his mental state he was "unable to exercise the restraint he ought to have done".

He described the theft as a "serious offence" and a "breach of trust".

During the hearing, a member of Logan's family sobbed in the public gallery.

Addressing Logan, who also wiped away tears as he sat in the dock, Judge Markey said: "Your mental state at the time may go some way to explain and mitigate the offence. It helps to explain it, not excuse it. You were in the grip of a serious gambling addiction." Judge Markey said the stigma of the offence may make it difficult for Logan to find a new job.

He added: "You are a man of ability and are a fully qualified draftsman. One hopes this serious lapse from an otherwise honourable course in life is a closed chapter."

Judge Markey explained that in sentencing Logan, he was taking into account the length of time it had taken to bring the matter to court.

"I am not imposing immediate imprisonment. It would be unjust and disproportionate to take any other view."

Instead, the judge gave Logan a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered him to repay the £280.

gedgar@belfasttelegraph.co.uk