Betting shop boss facing £56,000 bill
gambling addict embezzled takings
Published:
THE criminal lifestyle of the former manager of a Highland betting shop could result in her having to stump up over £56,000.
Sheena Scott, of 27 Holborn Avenue, Thurso, started diverting takings into her own account to pay for her expensive addiction to online gambling.
She previously admitted at Wick Sheriff Court embezzling £30,028.91 between October 1, 2006 and June 8, 2007 while employed at the Thurso branch of Scotscoup.
The court heard that the offence came to light in June last year after large discrepancies were discovered when the books were audited.
Her boss became suspicious after the takings at the shop started to drop off and the banking times became irregular.
Police found that the 45-year-old had been depositing takings in her own bank account before making transfers to a special account she had to support her betting with an internet gaming site.
Scott, who worked at the town-centre shop for 20 years, was suspended and later owned up to what she had done at a disciplinary hearing.
Sentence on her was yesterday further deferred after the court heard a psychiatric report previously ordered was not available.
Meanwhile, in separate civil proceedings started yesterday, an order was served on her under proceeds-of-crime legislation.
It seeks to confiscate £56,110.38 which, it is claimed, she gained from her criminal lifestyle in the six years up to June 2007.
Solicitor Sylvia Maclennan said she would need time to discuss the order with her client.
The action was adjourned until November 13, when she is also due to appear for sentence on the embezzlement charge.
