Fraudster stole £1.5k from school

Brian Hossack 1625 - 1625 • Published 8 Jun 2009 14:00

A SWINDLER stole more than £1,500 from an Inverclyde secondary school while working there as a trusted member of staff.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard Lisa Jamieson, 26, stole £1,532 from Port Glasgow High during a nine-month scam, while working there as a school support assistant.

Sheriff John Herald warned Jamieson she had carried out a serious offence in the eyes of the court - but spared her a spell behind bars.

Depute fiscal Lindy Scaife said discrepancies were noticed in the accounts after the fraudster took sick leave from the school, where she had been working

for around two years.

The court heard a variety of cash sums Jamieson claimed she had banked were found to be missing, sparking an investigation by police that led to her arrest.

During her appearance in the dock on Wednesday, Jamieson of Campsie Road, Port Glasgow, admitted embezzling the money from Port Glasgow High between 1 January and 12 September last year.

A defence lawyer for Jamieson said she took the money after suffering financial and mental health problems which affected her judgement.

Sheriff Herald told Jamieson: 'This is a serious matter.

'You were in a position of trust and a school has suffered a financial loss as a result of your actions.

'In normal circumstances, the only thing I would consider is prison.

'I take into account the fact you are a first offender and your early plea.

'With this taken into account, I will impose 200 hours community service.

'It is only because I can use this as a direct

alternative that prevents me from sending you to custody.'

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 08 Jun 09

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