Worker admits theft of £900 from Beatties

A former manager at Beatties department store stole more than £900 by processing fraudulent refunds and transferring the money into her own bank account, a court heard.

Tracey Ash transferred the money into her account while she was working as a team leader on the Montgomery curtain department at the store in Wolverhampton between April 2011 and April this year. A total of £929 was transferred by Ash, aged 47.

Her offences came to light after the loss prevention team at the store found inconsistencies with the finances on her department.

Ash, from Willenhall, had worked at the city centre store for four-and-a-half years before her offences came to light and she was suspended.

She admitted 11 offences of theft by employee at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday.

The amounts varied throughout the year but the highest theft was £124.50 on March 12, 2012.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, told the court: "She was working at Beatties and was manager of the Montgomery curtain department.

"Accounting procedures took place and it was noted a number of unauthorised refunds were made to her own account.

"She was made subject to disciplinary hearings and interviewed on May 14. She admitted refunding money into her own account."

Mr Bleazard told the court that Ash had resorted to stealing from her employer because of her "escalating debts".

He added: "She had a position of seniority. She made full and frank admissions in interview."

Mr Malcolm Fowler, defending, said Ash could not cope with her spiralling money problems.

He told the court her stealing was a "direct response to debts when issues peaked" and that she "felt unable to cope".

Mr Fowler said: "She was not able to tell her husband. She is now getting help."

Mother-of-two Ash, who lives in Reedly Road, Willenhall, was ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £400. Beatties was unavailable for comment today.