Woman Denies Stealing Almost £200k from Keswick School

A Cockermouth woman has denied stealing almost £200k from Keswick School.

Ghislain Sharron Smithson, 51, of Sandybeck Way, Cockermouth, denied a single charge of theft when she appeared at Workington Magistrates' Court on Friday, 25th October 2019.

Theft in excess of £200 is an either way offence. We have previously written a brief guide to the offence of theft, which readers might find of interest. The maximum penalty for theft is 7 years' custody on conviction on indictment, 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.

Magistrates heard that Smithson worked as the Finance Manager at the school between 2008 and 2018. It is alleged that she took £187,599 of school funds in the final four years of her employment.

She is accused of using the school bank account and credit card for personal use and without permission. In particular, she is alleged to have booked holidays and hotel rooms for her own benefit.

Given the serious nature of the allegations, Magistrates declined jurisdiction.

The case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Monday, 25th November 2019.

Smithson was granted unconditional bail until then.

Update (25/11/19): Smithson admitted the theft when she appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today.