Fraudster who stole £61,000 from Fulbourn employer is jailed
A woman who set up a fake account and stole more than £60,000 from her employer in Fulbourn has been jailed.
Valerie Barber, 61, of Priory Road, Horningsea, was a contract worker at the agricultural company.
When was promoted to a role dealing with the company's accounts, she began submitting purchase orders to her employer on behalf of a fabricated 'consulting service'.
This meant the employer was paying money directly into Barber's personal bank account for services which were never carried out.
Barber also redirected refunds due to the company to her own account.
When her employer noticed possible fraudulent activity during a standard company audit, the matter was referred to police.
They found that between late 2018 and June 2020, Barber stole around £61,000..
She told police her actions were the result of a desperate financial situation.
She admitted to fraud by abuse of position and was sentenced to eight months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on May 20.
Det Con Zoe Jackson said: “Barber deceived and defrauded her employer out of tens of thousands of pounds while in a position of trust within the company.
“I am pleased the company reported their suspicions which led us to catch Barber and bring her before the court."
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