Chief executive stole more than £900 from charity

A woman has admitted stealing hundreds of pounds from a charity while she was its chief executive.

Jane Harding, from Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to theft of £945.55 from the North Staffs Carers Association between May 2019 and December 2021.

A court heard the 55-year-old had been claiming money for items that had been purchased but not for the charity, including a TV and barbecue.

The hearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday was told she had difficulties with her health and a relationship breakdown at the time of the offences.

Ian Shaw, prosecuting, said: "It’s quite a sad case, frankly. Ms Harding was chief executive officer of North Staffs Carers and had been in that role for around 19 years."

He said it came to light in October 2021 when petty cash discrepancies were spotted, which sparked an investigation by the deputy chief executive and chair of the Fenton-based charity.

Harding was dismissed from her post and the financial discrepancies were reported to the police.

Mr Shaw added: "It is clearly a serious matter in terms of breach of trust because of the position Ms Harding held as chief executive.

"She was a lady of previous good character, as you would expect from someone who held that sort of position."

Janice Sain-Reiners, defending, said the offences took place in the midst of the Covid pandemic "when things were difficult", adding that Harding had been under "considerable stress" since the allegations.

"She has had difficulties with her mental health and physical health and a relationship breakdown at the time of these offences," she said.

Harding will next appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 16 September for sentencing.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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