Camp Hopson supervisor steals from her own employer

Carol Lynn Smith knew she would be caught, magistrate's hear

A supervisor at Camp Hopson stole from her own department, despite knowing full well that she would be caught, Newbury Magistrate’s heard.

Carol Lynn Smith, aged 55, was a supervisor in the menswear section when the six thefts took place in October last year.

The Donnington resident pleaded guilty to a string of thefts totalling £270.50, the first on October 2, pocketing £70, before finally being caught in the act on her sixth attempt on October 27, trying to steal £50.

Mrs Smith had initially got away with the month-long spree by first taking payment from customers before refunding the items and pocketing the cash for herself.

Newbury magistrates heard on February 4 how Mrs Smith knew that she would get caught, fully aware of the procedures in place and how CCTV images were regularly checked.

Speaking of the day that she was caught, Peter Ryman, prosecuting, said: “She was seen on CCTV to serve a customer and after he had left she conducted a cash refund transaction and was seen to take the money to her car.”

When challenged by security, Mrs Smith immediately admitted each offence before being interviewed by police.

Defending, Miss Sarah Neighbour said: “At this time she was on anti-depressants. It is a job that she loves and she knew she would get caught because of the procedures. She said she doesn’t know why she did it. She is deeply ashamed.”

After pleading guilty to the offences, a probation report were prepared, which stated: “Mrs Smith doesn’t give a reason as to why she took the money.

“Money was tight at the time; her husband is a builder and with the recession there’s not as much money as there used to be. But she was under a great deal of stress.

“She had gone to the GP and had been given anti-depressants in the summer last year but she gave them up after feeling zombie-like.

“She was overcome with stress at the time and was acting completely out of character.”

Mrs Smith was given a community order and will have to complete 60 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. She was also ordered to pay costs totalling £365.50.