Antonio Youngsang Bae, 32, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday and was sentenced to six months’ home detention.
He earlier admitted six charges of dishonestly using a document, which represented three years of secretly syphoning money from the castle.
But Bae was not stealing to live the high life — the money simply sat in his account and after he was charged he repaid all of it.
He put the crime down to a self-esteem issue, saying having the money made him feel good.
The court heard the defendant was employed by Larnach Castle Ltd for more than three years and was mainly involved in online bookings and reservations before being promoted to a supervisor position.
Between February 2021 and February 2024 he accepted funds that were meant to be paid to the castle into his own bank accounts.
Bae used multiple bank cards and accounts along with his work email to trick people into giving him money intended for Larnach Castle, the court heard.
In total, $86,855 was taken, including $41,662 between October 2021 and February 2024.
Bae told police he stole the money because he "wanted more" and confessed it was a "stupid thing" to do.
Yesterday, counsel Deborah Henderson said it was unusual, in cases such as this, for a large amount of money to be repaid in full.
"He never spent the money, not that that makes it any better — he’s still stolen it, but that’s the reason why he was able to pay it back," she said.
Mrs Henderson said the offending was "out of character" for her client, who previously had a clean criminal record, and said struggles with his self-esteem might have contributed.
Bae had a new job and was held in high regard by his employers who were aware of his crimes.
The offending had Judge Emma Smith stumped, saying it was "very odd" that he did not use the money.
"One explanation is pure greed, another is you enjoyed the challenge of doing all that," she said.
"Your offending was prolonged, it was prolific, it was deliberate and sustained."
Mr Clifton said the company was "grateful that justice has been served".
"The dishonesty, uncovered in February 2024, has also had a lasting impact on team members who worked closely with him, and we continue to provide support to those affected," he said.
"This was an issue that arose due to changes required during the Covid-19 pandemic. Processes have since been reviewed, strengthened and issues resolved."
