An employee of a Lancashire wood veneer laminates business who was sentenced to 10 months inp rison for stealing money from the firm has been told by a judge to pay back £39,000.
Janet Crosley, a former wages clerk at Woodlam UK, was told at Preston Crown Court to pay back the sum within six months or face a further 16-month prison sentence and still owe the money on her release.
The court heard that Crosley, who had been in charge of petty cash and payment to suppliers and customers, had benefited to the tune of £72,470 from Woodlam over the previous six years. But the judge declared her realisable assets to be £39,000.
“Crosley said she initially took the money to pay her mortgage and household bills, thinking she would be able to pay the money back before anyone noitced, but the situation got out of hand,” said Christine Phelan, Lancashire Constabulary financial investigator.
“Despite her reasons, and the fact she did not spend the stolen money on a lavish lifestyle, Crosley has committed a criminal act and will not be allowed to enjoy the profits form her crime.”
Woodlam managing director Keith Woodward told TTJ he was glad the case was resolved and now hoped to invest in new machinery.
