Former pre-school worker who stole 65k given a suspended sentence
The court heard Bassetts Farm pre-school was left just weeks away from potential closure because of the fraud
A Devon woman who stole £65,689 pounds from a pre-school was today given a 24-month two-year suspended sentence - after vowing to repay all the money.
Exeter Crown Court heard Claire Precious, 49, of Madagascar Close in Exmouth, used bank cards for Bassetts Farm pre-school to order more than 220 items from Amazon - as well as Asda and Argos - over a five year period.
The former administrator, who took over the role in September 2018, bought things like moisturisers, blinds, a water dispenser and sofa which were all delivered to her home.
In sentencing Judge James Adkin reflected on how she had 'systematically defrauded the charity' which was four weeks from defaulting on debt repayments when the offences came to light.
In an impact statement, the volunteer chair of the pre-school said: "The fact she has stolen from a charity is shameful."
He added that there 'seems to be little or no thought about the consequences of her actions' which could have resulted in the closure and loss of childcare for parents and the potential loss of six paid jobs.
In mitigation Exeter Crown Court was told Mrs Precious, who has no previous criminal history, had repaid £13,000 and - with money from her parents - had made 'extensive efforts to repay the funds', adding 'they will be repaid'.
The court was told the mum-of-three had an 'almost self destructive' nature following a previous health scare and the fraud was 'not sophisticated' - while she 'struggles each and very day with why she did what she did' and 'regrets her actions' with a 'deep regret for the hurt caused to her family'.
Exeter Crown Court was told that staff had become suspicious about her actions and reported her. One staff member, who should have access to the accounts, had to use their own personal money to make school-related purchases which Mrs Precious then repaid using BACS.
The court heard there had been an independent audit process before Mrs Precious took over the role, which had ceased.
Judge James Adkin had suggested he felt there was a 'greed motive' and cited how the 220 Amazon purchases were individually archived to help disguise them. The judge told her she did not pose a 'risk to society' as he passed the sentence.
Mrs Precious admitted to one fraud charge at her first hearing.