By Isle of Wight ObserverA former Visit Isle of Wight employee has attended court for sentencing after pleading guilty to fraud and theft against the company, totalling £33,874.
Joanne Thornton, 55, of Snaithing Lane, Ranmoor, Sheffield, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday (November 16).
She pleaded guilty to committing fraud to the sum of £18,961 from the company account by abuse of position as finance officer between April 2013 and March 2018, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006 on October 16 at at Magistrates’ Court.
She also pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by an employee, between April 2016 and April 2018, when she is said to have stolen cash to the value of £14,913, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.
Previously, Barry Arnett, defending Mrs Thornton told the court his client had no previous convictions and that she intends to pay the money back by November 16 when she appears at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing.
He said: “She will be cashing in her pension pot.”
Thornton arrived at court with a suitcase, wearing sunglasses and brown boots.
She is due to be sentenced on Thursday afternoon.
