Scrabster woman appeared 'relieved' when £25k fraud discovered

A Scrabster woman embezzled more than £25,000 from the local community association she chaired.

Christina Bennett (37) admitted the fraud at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday and will be sentenced next month.

The offence occurred between November 25, 2021, and September 26, 2022. All of the money was repaid.

Fiscal David Barclay said it wasn't entirely clear how the fraud was detected but discrepancies were noticed with some transactions and expenditure that didn't match and suspicion fell on the accused.

Mr Barclay said that, when interviewed by the police, Bennett, of Holborn Place, Scrabster, appeared to be relieved that the fraud had been discovered and admitted being responsible for it.

The fiscal added: "Bennett didn't provide any information regarding what she had done with the £25,680."

Sheriff Neil Wilson was told that the accused, with the assistance of family and friends, had repaid the full amount to Scrabster Community Association.

Mr Barclay said that given the sum involved, some consideration had been given as to whether Bennett should be charged at summary level or placed on the more serious indictment. However, it was decided to proceed on the former charge on the basis that the accused had co-operated fully and that repayment had been made in full.

Sheriff Wilson said that he had "raised eyebrows" when he first observed that the offence was being prosecuted at summary level but agreed with the fiscal's explanation.

Bennett, a first offender, will be sentenced on October 18 after the sheriff considers a background report and hears mitigation from solicitor Fiona MacDonald.