Community order for woman who stole from charity

Rachel Smith took money from the Aire Valley Riding Club, in Wilsden, Bradford, when her own stables business got into financial difficulties, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Although she was said to have intended to pay back the stolen cash as her finances improved, her barrister Nicholas Johnson said her money problems continued and she tried to resolve them by borrowing from the club.

He said Smith initially took 3,000 from the club and did not tell anyone including her mother who was the treasurer.

He told Recorder Bryan Cox QC the stolen money was simply used to keep afloat her own business, which had been affected by a horse disease.

The court heard Smith's business and home were now both up for sale and she had a personal debt of about 26,000.

"She is deeply ashamed of her behaviour," said Mr Johnson.

Last month Smith, 39, of Shay Gate Cottage, Haworth Road, Wilsden, pleaded guilty to a series of fraud charges relating to her unauthorised withdrawals of sums ranging from 100 to 3,000 from the club's accounts.

She also admitted taking money raised at a children's gala and a points show which was held by the club.

Recorder Mr Cox made Smith subject to a nine-month community order which includes a requirement to do 120 hours unpaid work for the community.

After the case a club spokesman said: "These thefts put our plans on hold, including an outdoor arena and full set of show jumps."