A local court sentenced a former restaurant manger to two years of probation Tuesday for embezzling 122,094 yuan ($19,596) from his employer.

The defendant, Yu Xiaofeng, pleaded guilty in Huangpu District People's Court to embezzling the money from the Jade Cuisine chain restaurant in the former Luwan district.

During the court hearing, 28-year-old Shanghai native said that he discovered a way to steal the money after he was promoted to manager. His position gave him access to the restaurant's computer system, which he used to alter sales records.

Yu said he would usually log on to the restaurant's computer system after the other employees left for the night and cancel some of the orders from that day. This made it appear that the restaurant made less money than it actually did for the day, allowing Yu to pocket extra cash.

He committed the crimes over a period from September 2010 until July 2011.

Eventually, a fellow employee reported Yu to his supervisor. Yu returned the money he stole and turned himself in to police. The court sentenced Yu to two years in prison, but gave him a reprieve because he turned himself in and made restitution to the restaurant.

If Yu obeys the terms of his probation, he will not have to serve time in prison.