SONNY THOMAS: Said the theft was to help with trying personal circumstances.

Labour Party member and former Parliamentary staffer Sonny Thomas has admitted taking $4183.90 from his boss Phil Twyford and his wife, stealing a cash machine card to withdraw money and racking up food and drink bills in his name.

Thomas, 24, was Mr Twyford's executive assistant and would buy food for him when he was unable to get his own.

Thomas bought over $877 of food and drink for himself while getting things for Mr Twyford.

He also went into Mr Twyford's office while he was at meetings and took a credit card.

Using knowledge of Mr Twyford's personal details and access numbers he guessed his PIN and withdrew $3560 over several months.

Thomas was asked about some extra transactions over the food and drink and said a mistake had been made and paid back $254.

He pleaded guilty to theft and fraudulently obtaining a financial advantage and Wellington District Court judge Michael Turner sentenced him to 250 hours community work and ordered him to pay back the money within a month.

Judge Turner said initially Thomas did not admit his wrongdoing when asked about the extra food and drink charges.

He said Thomas explained he had done it because he was helping an ill family member which was stretching his own financial means.

''You are a talented young man with a promising career in public service and politics which has been brought to an abrupt end,'' he told Thomas.

Outside court Thomas apologised.

''I have made an enormous mistake under trying personal circumstances for which I am very sorry. No justifications can be made to excuse my actions," Thomas said.

He intends to repay the money back and is hoping to get work and get on with his life.

''I am still fully committed to the Labour Party who have been incredibly supportive.''

Mr Twyford is Labour's spokesman on Auckland issues. He hired Thomas in July 2010.