A FORMER soldier who stole more than £40,000 from a charity set up to maintain a Gwent landmark was told to pay back just over £1,000 yesterday.

William Pritchard, 58, of Llanvetherine, Abergavenny, benefited from more than £47,000 from his criminal conduct, Cardiff Crown Court was told.

The former Welsh Guard admitted the fraud and was sentenced to 14 months in prison last May.

Pritchard had signed over a number of cheques to himself or his wife between February and July 2008 while acting as treasurer and a trustee of charity Usk Castle Limited 2001.

The Argus reported last May that the charity raises money for work to the fabric of Usk Castle and to improve public access to it.

His defence barrister, David Webster, said at the time that Pritchard had suffered financial disaster in 2001 and tried his best to find alternative solutions to his money problems.

Pritchard appeared at court yesterday for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, which was told he had benefited from £47,783.56.

Mr Webster, defending again yesterday, said an insurance policy worth £8,812.62 has been surrendered.

He said the charitable trust was compensated by their bankers but that £7,683.56 remains outstanding.

Judge John Curran made a confiscation order that this amount is paid by way of compensation to the losing party.

He ordered that the balance of £1,129.06 be handed over by confiscation.

Judge Curran said 28 days would be given for the money to be handed over.