A trusted finance chief for a holiday lodge maker swindled £574,950 - and blew £305,000 on online games, a court heard on Friday.

Kenneth Ward, 39, of Wian Street, Holyhead, Anglesey, was jailed for four years at Caernarfon crown court after he admitted fraud against Aspire Park and Leisure at Porthmadog in Gwynedd.

Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell said it happened during 18 months and involved 178 fraudulent transactions when false invoices were created for suppliers and payment re-directed to Ward’s bank account.

“He became blatant from the beginning of April last year. In the final eleven days he transferred £46,000, having made no attempt to conceal the transactions,” counsel said.

The fiddle was eventually discovered when a bank noticed four suspicious transactions.

Mr Rothwell said Ward told his employers, before being sacked, that he stole money because of “crippling debt” and he “got a thrill from doing what he was doing.”

He had an addiction to online games bought through Apple.

The barrister said the company had incurred £31,500 in accountancy and legal fees and £84,000 was owed in VAT because of the fraud. Staff hadn’t received pay rises and the future was “uncertain” after a big drop in profit.

Elen Owen, defending, said Ward expressed remorse. “He hasn’t tried to excuse or lessen his behaviour,” she said. Civil proceedings had been launched against him and his assets frozen.

Counsel remarked: "He had this addiction to this online gaming, that escalated and spiralled out of control. It was a form of escapism from very disturbing and distressing personal circumstances.”

Before his arrest Ward had sought help from a psychologist. He was sole carer for three children. “The company, although having a huge blow, was still in profit,” she added.

Judge Timothy Petts told Ward he had “systematically betrayed and defrauded” the company and money was “frittered away”

He said to him: "You have fundamentally undermined the plans for the future the directors had for the company. Your fraud had a high impact.”

It had damaged the credit rating. Judge Petts said there had been some issues relating to the break-up of his marriage.

But he added :”Clearly only a lengthy sentence of imprisonment will do.”

Ward faces a proceeds of crime application.