Worker stole £14,500 to pay debts

Caernarfon Crown Court heard Povall submitted false invoices

A Denbighshire council worker who stole £14,500 from her employers has received a 36-week prison term, suspended for 18 months.

Charlotte Povall, 34, from Bodfari, began the deception when she was paid to gain a professional qualification, but used the money to pay debts.

She admitted three theft charges and one of attempted theft.

Mr Justice Nigel Davis, at Caernarfon Crown Court, said Povall had "severely" abused her employers' trust.

Povall worked for the Cefndy Healthcare Trust in Rhyl, which the court heard is run by the county council.

However, she felt she did not earn enough and pocketed the funds over a five-month period.

The fraud was detected when she submitted false invoices.

Mr Justice Nigel Davis said: "You seemed to be an honest and pleasant woman. Trust was placed in you and you severely abused that trust."

She was also ordered to do 175 hours of unpaid work.