Keith Woodward, managing director of Woodlam UK, spoke to TTJ following the hearing at Preston Crown Court at which Janet Crosley pleaded guilty to 12 charges of theft and asked for a further 19 offences to be taken into consideration.
The court heard how Ms Crosley’s fraud was discovered during an annual audit in 2005. She had worked in the office of the Leyland-based company since 2000, responsible for petty cash and payment to suppliers and cutomers.
Mr Woodward told TTJ that he suspected something something was amiss with the company’s finances.
“Sales were increasing, profit margin was good, but the bank balance was dwindling,” he said.
He asked his accountant to investigate and a list of discrepancies were discovered. Ms Crosley was confronted and the police called in.
“She had worked with us since 2000 and had always been a trusted member of staff,” said Mr Woodward. “What really cuts me up is that I had prostate cancer at the time and she was very concerned. She was so nice to me when I was so poorly but all the time she was taking the money. It’s left a bad taste in my mouth.
“It’s been an annoyance because I have helped the woman in question when she had financial problems.”
But he said it was likely that Ms Crosley had been paying back him back with his own money.
Mr Woodward said police had established that £70,000 had gone missing.
