Update: £200k Theft from Keswick School

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

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

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, given the large sum of money involved. Smithson's case was listed for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today.

During the brief appearance Smithson entered a guilty plea.

Smithson worked as the Finance Manager at the school between 2008 and 2018. She stole £187,599 of school funds by using the school bank account and credit card for her own personal gain and without permission.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said police believe that the theft began as early as 2012, but the Crown Prosecution Service was willing to accept the defendant's guilty plea, entered on the basis that she began stealing from the school two years later in 2014.

The court heard that some of the allegations were around foreign currency transactions, though details were not revealed.

Defence barrister Judith McCullough told HHJ Nicholas Barker: "This lady is a lady of hitherto good character."

The judge told the defendant: "You have pleaded guilty to this charge of theft and I know that you will have been well advised by Ms McCullough as to the range of sentences available to this court."

The maximum penalty for theft is 7 years' custody.

Looking at the theft sentencing guideline this particular offence is likely to be one of higher culpability, given the abuse of trust, and higher harm, given the large sum involved. This would give a starting point of 3 years 6 months' custody.

Smithson will be sentenced on Tuesday, 3rd December 2019.

Update (3/12/19): Smithson was sentenced to 32 months in custody.