Inverness playgroup embezzler must pay money back

A woman who embezzled more than £13,000 from two Inverness playgroups has been ordered to pay the money back.

Michelle Bird, a mother-of-three, must pay £3,000 in compensation within two weeks, with monthly payments of £300.

She was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work when she appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court for sentencing this morning.

Bird, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, previously admitted embezzling from Cradlehall Playgroup and Tiny Tykes Toddlers Group over a three-year period.

One of the groups was left with just £12 in its account, forcing staff to make cutbacks to help it survive.

The court was told earlier this month that Bird did not spend the money on a “lavish lifestyle” – but used it to help her family make ends meet.