Keynsham woman steals £34,000

AN office manager from Keynsham stole £34,000 from the design firm she worked for after her own finances spiralled out of control.

Maria Seward held the purse strings for Hello Charlie Ltd, a small company producing work for big names such as global rock band Coldplay.

But in order to meet the demands of paying back a home improvement loan, as well as other obligations, she siphoned money from the company into her own bank account, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Mother-of-two Seward, 33, of Charlton Road, Keynsham, pleaded guilty to theft.

Judge Mark Horton told her: "Not only were you preparing false invoices, you were making out that invoices had been paid when they had not.

"That caused damage to the reputation and character of the business, something which in today's marketplace can be priceless.

"You were the office manager, regarded as a fellow employee and friend, and you abused your position and friendship. You took this money without a care for anyone else but yourself."

The judge deferred sentence for six months, warning Seward that if she reoffended or didn't start repaying the money she stole, she would be jailed for nine months.

Jason Mullings and Paul Tigwell, directors of the firm, gave a statement to the Post which read: "We are very disappointed and saddened by what has happened.

"It was inevitable that her thefts would be discovered.

"We are very pleased that this matter is now over."

Richard Posner, prosecuting, said Seward was employed by the firm in Clifton, Bristol, in November 2008 and within two months she started stealing from them.

Mr Posner said suspicions were raised by company accountant Graham Ovens, who realised he was not receiving all invoices and receipts and asked Seward for them.

Investigations with the company's bank revealed money had been deposited in Seward's bank account, Mr Posner said.

It transpired Seward had diverted contractors' money as well as expenses claims to herself, the court heard, and used the money for her loan repayments and to buy presents for her children.

Mr Posner said: "The company is a small company, reliant on its name and reputation, and the financial consequences were severe.

"No payment was made to contractors and it caused extreme embarrassment to the company and its clients. It tarnished the reputation of the business and it required a lot of explaining why people weren't paid."

Mr Posner said extra staff was employed to deal with the "chaos" Seward created, but the company fought for survival.

Jo Atherton, defending, said Seward was of previous good character and had been a trusted member of staff.

She said: "She took this money and it was a dreadful thing to do.

"All the money went into her bank account, the same bank account that her salary was paid into. It was easily detected when it came to light."

Miss Atherton said her client was candid when, after writing a letter of resignation, she spoke to police.

Miss Atherton told the court: "She said 'it just spiralled out of control, I can't make any excuses'."

The judge was told that if Seward was jailed her husband would have to give up his job to look after their children, and that would mean they would lose their house and she may not work again.