• During a wedding reception in April, a man stole approximately $39,000
• After taking the money, the man spent it on gambling activities
• The culprit was arrested and subsequently sentenced to one year in jail

A man, who was suffering from gambling addiction and stole tens of thousands of dollars from a wedding, was recently sentenced to one year in prison.

The criminal case involves a 36-year-old man from Singapore, who allegedly stole S$50,000 ($39,000) from a wedding reception and consequently spent most of it on gambling.

Stolen money was used for gambling activities

A report by the Straits Times discloses further details regarding the crime that involved a part-time banquet server, described as a "habitual gambler."

The 36-year-old man was working during a wedding reception on April 5 this year.

The exciting event was held at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach's grand ballroom.

As is usual for wedding receptions, guests leave money boxes in red packets at a dedicated table at the entrance way of the ballroom.

On the day of the crime, the table in question was left unattended and the banquet server decided to take two of the money boxes left by the guests. In total, the money boxes contained S$48,939 ($38,300).

After taking the money boxes at approximately 12:50 PM on that day, the 36-year-old man left.

It didn't take long for the organizers to notice the missing money boxes and review footage of the area in question.

The video footage captured the crime and law enforcement was contacted minutes later at approximately 1 PM on the same day.

An investigation into the actions of the 36-year-old man saw him use some S$400 of the stolen money to buy clothes.

Concerningly, the man deposited S$36,331 via automated bank terminals into his account and then used the money for online gambling credits.

According to law enforcement, the 36-year-old man made 195 bets via an illegal gambling website.

He also spent another S$12,200 on gambling activities at a Singapore Pools venue in Middle Road.

The man was arrested and sentenced to one year in jail

Several days after the crime, on April 7, the man who stole the money boxes from the wedding reception was arrested.

Upon his arrest, law enforcement found S$3,000 in cash on him, possibly a leftover from the sum he stole.

In court earlier this week, the 36-year-old man apologized for his actions.

The man admitted that he "acted out of desperation," claiming that he suffered from gambling addiction and didn't think about the consequences of his actions when carrying out the crime.

Still, the man pleaded guilty to one count of gambling with an unlicensed gambling operator and one count of theft.

As a result, District Judge Christopher Goh sentenced him to 12 months in jail.

The 36-year-old man was also ordered to pay back the victims. If he fails to do so, he will face an additional 100 days of jail time.

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