The case against former Visit Isle of Wight employee Joanne Lisa Thornton, who is accused of committing fraud and theft totalling £33,875, has been sent to the Crown Court.
Mrs Thornton, 55, now of Ranmore in Sheffield, is accused of fraud by abuse of position to the sum of £18,961 and theft by an employee to the sum of £14,913.
The former finance officer, who only moved off the Isle of Wight last week, pleaded guilty to both charges when she appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday).
Magistrates said that the sentencing was well out of their powers and therefore the case must be dealt with by the Crown Court. The crimes could attract a prison sentence of up to 4 years.
For Thornton, Mr Barry Arnet told the court that it is planned that monies can be made available on the day of sentencing to repay the £33,875 so that there is no loss to Visit Isle of Wight. This will be made possible by the cashing in of Mrs Thornton’s pension pot.
The case has been adjourned for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on 16th November 2018.
Joanne Thornton, the wife of former Visit Isle of Wight CEO David Thornton, has been granted unconditional bail.
