The former manager of Fredericton Transit was sentenced to six months in jail Monday for stealing more than $4,500 from the city's Dial-A-Bus program.

Tony Hay, 43, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft under $5,000.

Provincial court judge Mary Jane Richards said she took into account Hay's fragile mental health and the fact he is presently employed, but said the theft required a jail sentence. Hay was also ordered to pay a $200 victim surcharge.

At a sentencing hearing on Friday, a Crown prosecutor recommended a jail sentence of five to seven months, citing "an abuse of trust" by Hay.

Hay resigned his job with the city when confronted about the amounts missing from the Dial-A-Bus accounts between May and October of 2014.

Defence attorney Ron Morris recommended to Richards that Hay receive a conditional sentence with no jail time, arguing Hay has already been punished to a certain extent by losing his job and being subjected to media scrutiny.

"He's been on the hot seat for 20 months," said Morris on Friday.

In her sentencing, Richards noted the media coverage of the story has been because "public funds" that were stolen.

Richards also noted the city should not have offered Hay the chance to resign and not face criminal charges.

The investigation was ordered reopened by Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch because public funds were involved.