Gambling mum jailed for $60k theft

Gambling mum jailed for $60k theft

A MOTHER of four was jailed this week for stealing nearly $60,000 from her Yandina employer to feed a gambling addiction.

Angela Kylie Warner, 35, made 68 fraudulent transactions between September 13, 2007, and February 17 last year while at Valdora Earthmoving.

Her duties included paying staff wages, including her own, taking care of company accounts and general bookkeeping.

Warner’s stealing came to light when the Australian Tax Office contacted the owner about late tax returns in March last year.

The owner reviewed the business accounts, noted discrepancies and called police.

Crown prosecutor Donna Semmens said Warner was transferring money from company accounts directly into her own account.

Ms Semmens said Warner tried to cover her actions by not lodging tax returns.

“Her method was unsophisticated and doomed to fail,” Ms Semmens said.

“Her dishonesty was persistent and prolonged.”

Barrister Phillip Rennick said his client was using the money for other expenses, too.

Mr Rennick said Warner thought she was just borrowing money but soon realised she could not repay it.

Judge Keith Dodds sentenced Warner to three years in jail with parole in November next year.

Warner must repay the $57,292.