Woman who stole claims blackmail

A former Norwich Union employee who stole more than £20,000 claimed she was being blackmailed by an ex-partner.

Sarah Throssell, 38, of Diss, Norfolk, admitted stealing £22,229.

The prosecution asked for sentencing to be delayed while police investigated her claims and traced the ex-partner, now believed to be in Cambridgeshire.

At Norwich Crown Court Judge Peter Jacobs said if the claim she was being blackmailed was true, the wrong person was in the dock.

The court heard Throssell, who joined Norwich Union at the age of 17 and worked her way up to a senior position, stole the money on a company credit card and only paid her former lover £700.

In an earlier interview with the police she said she had taken the money because she had financial problems.