Tarmac employee defrauded company of £61,000

High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard how Veronica Jane Salt, 32, was one of only two people in her particular department, based at Buxton, who had been able to give refunds.

Jennifer Fitzgerald, prosecuting, said that between September 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015, she refunded £61,441.96p into her own personal account.

Salt admitted abusing her position of trust to commit fraud, during a hearing before magistrates in Buxton on Monday.

Mrs Fitzgerald said the reason the offences had stopped was because the defendant was off work for a short time.

“Left in her work diary was part of her own bank account statement and a colleague saw it and knew it wasn’t right for Tarmac refunds to be going to her (Salt’s) own account,” said Mrs Fitzgerald.

The court heard that, when challenged, Salt made admissions in reference to the statement that had been found.

“As further investigations were made, she made full and frank admissions,” added Mrs Fitzgerald.

The court was told that due to the nature of the offence, the sums of money involved and the abuse of a senior position, the sentencing guidelines in place meant the case should be committed to the crown court for sentence.

Annis Rowlands, defending, told magistrates there was a great deal to be said on behalf of Ms Salt before sentencing, and requested that a pre-sentence report be prepared.

The case was adjourned until April 4 for sentence at Derby Crown Court. Salt, of Britannia Street, Leek, was granted unconditional bail.