A former Dillons employee received a two-year probation sentence on Friday for stealing more than $30,000 from the store, mostly by taking money out of cash registers over a 10-month period.

Michael Everett Smith, 20, rural Lawrence, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft.

He told District Judge Michael Malone on Friday that he was “deeply sorry” for his actions.

Malone ordered Smith to remain on probation until his restitution to the store, 4701 W. Sixth St., was fully paid, even if that takes longer than the two-year period.

Prosecutors alleged Smith stole the money from May 2010 until March 2011.

The exact amount of restitution will be determined soon — attorneys said they still needed to agree how much was still owed to the store. Defense attorney John Frydman said Smith had already repaid some of the money.

The judge said Smith was a clear candidate for probation, given his lack of criminal history.