Former PO boss faces jail for fraud

A Shropshire sub postmistress was today warned she could be jailed after admitting defrauding the Post Office of more than £80,000.

Tina May Elizabeth Doughty, 43, of Cleobury North Post Office, near Bridgnorth, today admitted abusing her position at the business between January 1 and November 15 last year.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard the amount of money she gained through the fraud was £80,563.

An earlier court hearing was told Doughty was accused of making a false representation to the Post Office by making transactions in relation to an Alliance and Leicester bank account.

Mr Adam Western, mitigating, said the post office business was suffering and Doughty used the money to supplement it.

Judge Robin Onions adjourned the case for sentence until the week of September 8, and told Doughty: “You must understand that custody is the great likelihood, you must prepare yourself for custody.”

Doughty, who was granted conditional bail, was suspended from her post in November after an internal audit of the business.

A Post Office spokesman said today: “Sub postmasters are in a position of trust and it is always disappointing when that trust is breached. The overwhelming majority of people who work in our branch network are professional, honest and provide the highest standards of service possible.”

Cleobury North Post Office remains closed.