Choppington woman admits petrol station theft
A petrol station supervisor filled up with stolen company cash when her debts spiralled out of control. Barbara MacRides was in a position of trust at the Shell Garage in South Gosforth.
The 41-year-old, from Scotland Gate, Choppington, was authorised to check and bag the substantial takings.
But her own finances were a mess, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
And in a theft spree bound to be uncovered, MacRides stole more than £9,000 behind her bosses back.
"You were entrusted with counting and bagging the money and you took the opportunity to steal," Judge Esmond Faulks said.
"It was a substantial amount of money and therefore only a prison sentence is appropriate."
But Judge Faulks suspended the 26-week jail term for two years with supervision and 100 hours' unpaid work.
He told tearful MacRides: "I suspend the sentence because you have no previous convictions and you have pleaded guilty."
MacRides admitted theft of £9,300 between January 19 and 22 this year.
She kept back more than half the takings before sending a cash bag into the high security collection system.
But each bag is fitted with a tamper proof seal and the missing cash was quickly traced back to MacRides.
"There was evidence to show the seal on this bag had not been tampered with," said Mark Donkin, prosecuting.
Probation officers will now try to help MacRides get her finances in order, the court heard.
"She had large debts hanging around her neck," said Caroline Goodwin, defending. "It is very sad case."
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