SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR HOLIDAY PARK WORKER WHO STOLE MORE THAN £13,000 FROM EMPLOYER

A Bembridge woman who stole more than £13,000 from her employer by simply refunding business transactions onto her personal bank cards, has been handed a suspended prison sentence. Kathryn Lucas, 27, of Crossway, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court for sentencing today (Tuesday) having previously admitted a charge of theft by an employee. Crown Prosecutor Liz Miller told the court that Lucas – employed by the Waverley Park Holiday Centre in East Cowes – refunded company transactions back onto her personal bank card between the 1st October 2019 and 1st August 2021, stealing at least £13,085.93. The payments were made to 3 bank accounts, all in Lucas’ name. Her actions went unnoticed until July 2021 when, upon being challenged by her boss, Lucas admitted to stealing an amount of cash. Despite not admitting the extent of her deceit, the-then 24-year-old paid a sum of £381.51 back to her employer. Lucas had originally admitted that she stole the money because ‘loan sharks were after members of her family’. A short while after she was initially ‘rumbled’ Lucas admitted her criminal activity to her Grandfather. Looking to help his granddaughter out, the pensioner made a payment of £1,556.38 to Waverley Park, before examining the transactions on his granddaughter’s bank account and drawing up a spreadsheet which was later used by Police in their investigations. Defending, Bridget O’Hagan stated that her client intended to use the stolen money to help others in the hopes it would make her feel better. Ms O’Hagan also said that Lucas – a first time offender who struggles with both physical and mental issues – was going to struggle to find work as a result of her actions but that she will do whatever she can to repay what she stole from her former employee. Magistrates handed the 27-year-old a 6-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18-months, with 20 rehabilitation days attached. Despite more than £11,000 being outstanding, Magistrates ordered Lucas pay compensation of just £2,000. Should Waverely Park wish to obtain the full amount they are owed then they are in their right to seek a civil prosecution against Lucas, should they chose to.