Cheating ex-Guide Dogs boss escapes jail time over $200k theft

Former Guide Dogs Victoria general manager Sandro Cirianni has escaped jail time.

Mr Cirianni pleaded guilty to three charges after he was caught stealing over $200,000 from the not-for-profit organisation, which he has since repaid.

Despite earning $160,000 per year in his role at Guide Dogs Victoria, the 49-year-old was busted using a company credit card to cover personal expenses but has since.

His lawyer against a jail sentence throughout the trial at the County Court on Wednesday, fearing Mr Cirianni would be targeted by inmates.

He was fined a total of $4,800, as well as being placed on a three-year Community Corrections Order and sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid community service.

Former disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes told 3AW Drive said it was a “disappointing” outcome.

“We do have people that take advantage of systems – anyone who’s found rorting a system needs to be punished,” he said.

Click PLAY to hear more on 3AW Drive with Justin Smith