A PAYROLL controller who left her employers in a ‘parlous position’ after she plundered tens of thousands of pounds from work has been jailed for two years.

Jacqueline Stephens siphoned money in the form of cash, cheques and electronic payments from the company account to her own to fund her out-of-control gambling habit.

The 53-year-old said she intended to pay back the money but as her losses mounted she could not, leading her to take £55,000 during a five-year period.

Swindon Crown Court was told Storm Recruitment was left in deep financial trouble, with its credit worthiness affected.

Claire Marlow, prosecuting, said Stephens had been financial and payroll controller at the company for 17 years.

In November last year the firm undertook an audit because it was experiencing unexpected cash flow problems, and discovered the fraud. A loss of £70,000 was found but Stephens insisted £15,000 was paid back or paid into her account for legitimate reasons.

Stephens, of William Street, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud between July 6, 2007 and November 6 last year.

Judge Douglas Field said he was unable to make a compensation order but her former employers could pursue her through the civil courts for their money.