A mother who became addicted to online gambling while nursing her ill father has been given another six months to repay money she embezzled from a north charity.
Six months ago, sentence was deferred on 53-year-old Deborah Gallagher, of Caledonian Road in Inverness, to allow her to make some recompense.
She had worked for the Crocus Group at Raigmore Hospital and admitted the dishonesty offence at Inverness Sheriff Court after faking invoices for children’s trips and events that never took place.
The charity helps youngsters who have lost a parent or close relative, sometimes by organising trips for them.
Last month, Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood was told she had handed over a £3,000 cheque to the charity but the judge wanted proof that the cheque had actually cleared.
So he deferred sentence again until yesterday for confirmation of payment.
Group chairman Eric Butlin told defence lawyer Marc Dickson that the cheque had cleared and that was relayed to the sheriff.
Mr Dickson added: “It is not the full sum and about £5,824 remains unpaid. It is being repaid at £500 a month.”
Sheriff Fleetwood deferred sentence once more until May 25, 2017 for Gallagher to continue repayment.
