SHAMED Skipton accountant Chris Baker has been ordered to complete a 180-hour community punishment order after admitting swindling £45,180 from the town's golf club.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Baker, 60, of Peel Terrace, Lothersdale, had made "amateurish" attempts to cover up his deceit between October 2000 and February 2002 and had paid back the money before his arrest.

Judge Ian Dobkin said he had come to court fully intending to jail Baker, but had been persuaded otherwise.

"Your shame in coming here to court and being exposed as the dishonest person you were for those months should be enough to deter others from committing offences of this kind."

Judge Dobkin said although everything about the breach of trust case pointed to a custodial sentence, Baker was not going to re-offend. He took into account the defendant's age, his family problems, his previously blameless life and the fact that the money had been returned.

Prior to these offences Baker, a partner in accountancy firm Shepherd Baker, had been a respected member of the Skipton business community and golf club. He had had complete control of club's finances, had been its finance director for almost 30 years and was club captain in 1981.

Prosecuting John Edwards said Bakers personal finances were "very, very much in the red" and he owed £150,000 to a client and £120,000 on an overdraft. He has also lost thousands of pounds through failed investments.

Mr Edwards said that between 2000 and 2002 the defendant had paid cheques from the golf club's account to Shepherd Baker and to himself and then forged documents to cover his tracks. He then borrowed money from "wealthy and friendly" clients to pay back the golf club.

Baker pleaded guilty to one count of theft of £45,180 and six counts of forgery.

His downfall came when towards the end of 2001 the club noticed irregularities in its accounts. Independent auditors were called in and the police executed a warrant to search the offices and Baker's home in July 2002.

In police interview Baker said he had taken money from the club's account, invested it with a broker and then paid it back with interest. He insisted he had not done anything wrong. Baker refused to name the broker.

In mitigation Andrew Dallas said Baker had been a "pillar of the community" for many years.

"He gave an enormous amount of time...unpaid to the golf club which was a substantial part of his life for over 25 years. His standing in the community, his job, it has all gone, and that would be a huge punishment in itself even before your honour lifts his pen."

Baker must also pay £900 costs.