A 54-year-old woman who swindled her employer out of more than £80,000 has been jailed for 16 months.

Julia Brereton, of Clunton, near Craven Arms, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday after admitting three counts of fraud by abuse of position, four of false accounting and one of theft.

The offences all took place during her 19 years working for Shropshire-based company Sastak.

Her time there included a period as chief executive of the company.

The court was told she worked for the company for about 19 years and in that time was responsible for its finances and accounting.

Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said Brereton had used the money in connection with buying a house and to pay off debts.

The court heard that she had used the company credit card to pay for her and her friends to go on the train, stay in a hotel in London and buy a cooker.

Brereton also admitted to keeping a company camera for herself.

Mr Neal Williams, for Brereton, said she was hardworking and was partly responsible for the success of the company.

He said: “She purchased a house that needed refurbishment. This put a strain on her health which was not the best.

“Her otherwise excellent judgment had been obscured.

“She had convinced herself that she would be in a position to repay the company in due course.

“People she knows don’t condone what she has done but have shown her support.

He said she is a lady who is able to continue giving her ‘time and talent’ for the benefit of the community.

Mr Williams added there had been difficulties between Brereton and company bosses before she left.

The court heard that all the money had been paid back to the company.

Judge Robin Onions said it was ‘sad’ to see a lady of Brereton’s age and background in court in relation to the offences.

He accepted she had got herself into financial difficulties, but she took of advantage of her position within the company and the trust given to her.

“These are serious, serious offences,” he said.

By James Pugh