News / Treasurer took money from Christmas party fund
A FIFTY year old woman from Mid Yell who took over £1,600 from a children’s Christmas party fund to pay off her debts has been placed under supervision for one year.
Amanda Jeffery, of Sunnyside, previously admitted embezzling £1,616.90 from the Mid Yell children’s Christmas party fund between 1 September 2014 and 20 April 2017 while she was its treasurer.
The money has since been paid back in full and defence agent Tommy Allan said it was always his client’s intention to pay it back.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the offence only came to light when the chairperson of the organisation noticed bank statements.
An internal inquiry was undertaken and the fund’s secretary noticed that the account was overdrawn when she attempted to pay a bill.
Jeffery eventually owned up to taking the money, blaming her own financial difficulties.
Allan said Jeffery had experienced “shame and upset” from the offence, with the solicitor saying it was “difficult to accurately convey” the effect it has had on her.
Sheriff Philip Mann said Jeffery’s “saving grace is that the money has been repaid”.
However, he said it was a “gross breach” of her position of trust.
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