School association treasurer spared jail (From Witney Gazette)

School association treasurer spared jail

9:41am Wednesday 15th February 2006 in Witney By Julian Dancer

A woman who stole more than £15,000 from a school charity walked free from court after magistrates were told she paid the cash back.

Mother-of-four Sally Dodman-Edwards, 34, of Ticknell Lane, Charlbury, was treasurer of Charlbury Primary School Association when the offences occured.

She had pleaded guilty at Witney Magistrates' Court in January to 16 charges of theft and one of forgery and appeared for sentencing at Banbury Magistrates' Court yesterday.

She was given a six-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 120 hours' community service.

Simon Thompson, prosecuting, said the association raised money for the school.

He said: "Dodman-Edwards was appointed treasurer in June 2004 and after her year in office a total of £15,542 was missing.

"Questioned by the charity's committee, Dodman-Edwards admitted taking the money and said financial pressures were to blame. She agreed to repay the cash."

He added: "Dodman-Edwards stole £11,600 by using blank cheques signed by the association's chairman and secretary and making them payable to herself, her husband, and her husband's business, the Charlbury Brewing Company.

"The cheques were for small amounts and were entered in the accounts book against items such as computer equipment.

"Another £3,800 collected at fundraising events was also missing."

Shirley Selby, defending, said Dodman-Edwards became association treasurer because no one else wanted the job.

She said: "Dodman-Edwards had a secure financial life until her husband Barry bought the Three Horseshoes public house in Charlbury. The family then had two mortgages plus the normal household bills.

"Dodman-Edwards, who now suffers from depression, always thought she would be able to repay the money, but dug herself further and further in. She couldn't get a loan to repay the cash, and she finally told her parents about her problems. They repaid the money and Dodman-Edwards is now repaying them."

The chairman of the magistrates said Dodman-Edwards has committed a breach of trust and that a large amount of money had been involved.

He said: "But you are of previous good character, and testimonials have been sent to the court describing you as trustworthy and reliable. You also have childcare responsibilities."

Dodman-Edwards was also ordered to pay £75 costs.