A PETROL station worker who stole more than £80,000 from the family businesses could have been suffering from “narcissistic personality disorder”, a court heard.

Robert Gerrish, 41, siphoned off cash from two of his father’s petrol stations, at the Nisa supermarket in Bulford and Stonehenge service station in Winterbourne Stoke, before stashing it in the boot of his car.

Gerrish was responsible for ordering petrol as well as banking cheques from the business set up by his father Roger and mother Kate in 1978.

On February 5 Salisbury Crown Court heard that Gerrish, of New Park Street in Devizes, had been stealing from the business for eight months before his deceit was discovered.

Police uncovered the trickery when his former partner called officers when she became concerned that Gerrish, who had left her home, may try to take his own life.

When he was found police searched his car and found £43,630 in sealed bags and loose cash stored in his boot.

In total it was found that Gerrish had stolen £80,630.

Gerrish, dressed in a three-piece blue suit, spoke only to confirm his name and thank the judge at the end of his sentencing.

In sentencing, Recorder Rufus Taylor said: “You have pleaded to two very serious offences of theft in breach of trust from your father. You were working at the time at his petrol stations.

“This came after a suicide attempt. Your ex-partner was concerned, and the police were phoned.

“The police found you in Andover and when they searched the car, they found some £43,000 in the boot in cash.

“At the time you were suffering from anxiety and low mood, there is a suggestion you were suffering from narcissistic personality disorder as well.”

Gerrish admitted to two counts of theft at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and was given a probation activity order.