A former clerical assistant who embezzled £9,000 while working at an Inverness primary school has been spared jail.
Kelly Bruce took money meant to pay for a school trip to France while she was working at Cauldeen Primary.
Her crime only came to light when the travel company weas unable to cash a £14,000 cheque for the outing – twice – and contacted the school, prompting the head teacher to investigate.
Bruce was originally charged with embezzling £15,000 but admitted a reduced sum earlier this year.
Bruce, who now lives at Flat C, 199 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, committed the offence between June 1, 2011 and August 20, 2013.
Yesterday Inverness Sheriff Court heard that it was a mystery as to what happened to the money – which her parents have now stepped in to help her pay back.
Procurator fiscal Karen Smith said £20,000 had been raised for the May 2013 trip through fundraising activities and money collected from parents.
Head teacher George Glass made inquiries after the travel company could not cash two cheques, and discovered there was only £5,700 in the account at the end of August 2013.
An internal investigation by Highland Council highlighted “financial irregularities” and Bruce was suspended on August 20, 2013. The council’s findings were reported to police in February last year and she was detained and questioned.
Ms Smith said: “It is unknown what happened to the money embezzled as it was clear to police that Miss Bruce were not leading an extravagant lifestyle.”
In mitigation, Bruce’s solicitor Willie Young said that Bruce was “deeply ashamed” of her actions, adding that she had tried to obtain loans to pay back the money but failed.
He said: “She had no one to turn to and it is ironic that her parents have stepped forward to help. The money can be repaid within one week.”
Sheriff Margaret Neilson ordered Bruce to pay £9,000 compensation to the Highland Council and carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. She will also be under supervision for a year.
She said: “This was clearly a gross breach of trust which I think you acknowledge. Having heard from your solicitor’s mitigation and read the criminal justice social work report, I am narrowly persuaded to impose a non-custodial sentence and prepared to make a community payback order alternative.”