A tuxedo-wearing manager of an award-winning hotel stole over £155,000 for luxury shopping after taking over the family-run business when the owner fell ill.

Ivo Lima, 39, a general manager at the Spilman Hotel in Carmarthen town centre, was treated more like 'a family member' than an employee but 'milked' the hotel to the brink of bankruptcy, Swansea Crown Court heard.

The owner's poor health meant he took on added responsibilities and effectively took over the running of the establishment, before 'grossly abusing' it to 'live a grander life' than his salary allowed.

He has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after systematically stealing £154,591 from the hotel and diverting customer payments directly into his own bank account over three years to live a more lavish lifestyle.

The hotel owner said they treated Lima 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he repaid their trust by almost bankrupting the business they have run since 1972.

The owner realised the number of bookings were not reflecting the income in January 2024.

Lima told them it was because of the difference in rising costs and bills.

When attempts were made to look at the hotel's payments and banking systems it was found Lima had changed the passwords so nobody else could get access.

Ivo Lima, 39, was treated more like 'a family member' than an employee but 'milked' the hotel to the brink of bankruptcy

Lima has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after systematically stealing £154,591 from the hotel and diverting customer payments directly into his own bank account

The hotel owner said they treated Lima 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he repaid the trust by almost bankrupting the business they have run since 1972

Family members later accessed the systems and found money from the hotel's accounts had been transferred directly into his personal bank account and emails relating to the transactions had been deleted.

Prosecutor Caitlyn Jones said in total between February 2021 and July 2024 Lima stole £154,591 from the hotel.

When challenged the defendant admitted what he had done and paid back £1,500, claiming he spent the money on a car and electrical items.

In an impact statement, the family said Lima had always been treated 'as a member of the family not just an employee' and he had repaid their trust by taking money and nearly bankrupting the business.

The statement added it was particularity upsetting that Lima had carried out the theft knowing the family was dealing with a serious health issue.

Dyfed Thomas, in defence for Lima, said there was not a gambling debt or misuse of drugs or alcohol, adding the money had simply been spent on clothes, electrical items, and other general family expenditures.

The barrister said his client was a man of previously good character who had worked hard all his life and he described what happened as a 'spectacular fall from grace'.

He said Lima wished to apologise to the family who ran the hotel though the barrister acknowledged such as apology would likely bring little comfort.

The judge said only immediate custody was appropriate for the thief.

Tuxedo-wearing 'manager' of award-winning hotel stole £155,000