Last Wednesday in the County Court, Amanatidis, 36, of Point Cook, was sentenced to two years and eight months' jail for forging 88 cheques to the value of $596,868 between 2005 and 2007.

The former accounts payable clerk, who was on a salary of $48,000, spent the stolen money luxury items such as designer cufflinks, a $50,000 holiday to Disneyland in the US and Jimmy Choo shoes for one of his mistresses, who also worked at the council, the court heard.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and two counts of obtaining property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

In sentencing, Judge Frances Millane said she had taken into account his early plea and co-operation, good character and lack of any prior convictions, and his use of amphetamines, which pyschologists linked to delusions of grandeur.

"You thought and acted as though you were the CEO," Judge Millane said of Amanatidis, who was known as 'Mr Fix It' to his co-workers.

"[It was] a gross breach of trust in your position in a council finance department."

Maribyrnong chief executive Kerry Thompson said the council had made changes to staffing arrangements in the accounts payable and purchasing area, and changes to technology and cheques processes as a result of discovery of the theft in 2007.

She said that after Amanatidis was fired, the council kept $21,000 in severance pay that was owed to him.

"The council's priority was to recover its ratepayers' money," she said. "[The] court order granted the council the proceeds of the sale of the impounded goods, which will contribute to the $500,000 already received from its insurer."

The council is now awaiting documents from the Office of Public Prosecution, detailing goods impounded in raids on Amanatidis' home and the flat he rented.

The court was told this included electrical goods, designer suits and luxury furnishings valued at $30,000.

Judge Millane also ordered Amanatidis to pay $98,986 compensation to the council, and $500,000 to its insurer, the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Amanatidis will be eligible for parole in 15 months.