A FORMER cabinet member on Winchester City Council was sacked by his employers after being caught red-handed stealing money, the Chronicle can reveal.

James Byrnes, a city councillor in Winchester, was investigated by police after an allegation that he had stolen £180 from Budgens shop at Williams Garage at Main Road, Otterbourne.

Mr Byrnes, who represents Wonston and Micheldever, previously held the portfolio for transport and professional services for the Winchester district.

He had been set to stand for the Hampshire County Council elections in the Itchen Valley division, but dropped out last month just before the campaign.

The Chronicle has seen an email from a police officer to a complainant stating Cllr Byrnes had admitted theft and paid the money back.

No criminal charges were brought as the matter was resolved through a community resolution order. Such an order can only be applied where there is an admission of guilt. It is not a conviction or a caution.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We can confirm that following a report of theft of cash at the garage on Main Road, Otterbourne on 17 February, a Community Resolution has been reached and agreed between both parties involved.

“The money has been paid back to the victim and no further criminal action will be taken in relation to this matter.”

Cllr Byrnes did not confirm or deny the offence, but said if the matter had been serious the police would have pursued it further.

Peter Whieldon, garage owner, confirmed that he had sacked Cllr Byrnes after he was caught stealing.

Mr Whieldon said: “I was very disappointed because you trust people and he was a prison officer and then a councillor and he was working with the community.”

In a statement ex-prison officer Cllr Byrnes, who lives in Harestock, said: “From my perspective some allegations were made by a husband of a member of staff. The police investigated it and opted to take no further action.”

When pressed that he had actually admitted the offence to allow the community resolution to be imposed, Cllr Byrnes remained tight lipped.

He later issued a full statement which said: “Following a police enquiry they have informed me that they will be taking no further action. As I said when we spoke, I have been clearly advised by the police not to discuss these matters with anyone. Therefore I cannot pass further comment on anything you may have been told by those who wish to see me removed from my position on Winchester City Council or influence the forthcoming election.”

Cllr Byrnes is the Conservative ward councillor for Wonston and Micheldever.

He was recently in the news after Cllr Kim Gottieb swore at him during a break at the last full council meeting.