Ex-surgery managers clearedafter theft allegations dropped

Two former practice managers at a doctors’ surgery have expressed their relief after allegations that they stole around 200,000 were dropped.

Mavis Clarkson, 64, and Sharon Ward, 45, were due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court accused of thefts relating to their work at the Kilmeny Surgery in Ingrow, Keighley.

But after the prosecution was given a week to consider a defence expert’s report it was decided yesterday to offer no further evidence against the two women.

After Judge Peter Benson formally entered not guilty verdicts on the 13 charges of theft the women issued a statement through their solicitors.

“This has been the end of four-and-a-half years of hell,” they said.

“We put many years of our lives into developing the Kilmeny Practice often at the expense of family life. The allegations against us were totally untrue and we are so relieved to have been vindicated today.

“We are grateful to family and friends who have stood by us. We now hope to rebuild our lives and reputations which have been so badly damaged by these unfounded allegations.”

Ward, of Burnside Mill, Addingham, is planning to rebuild her career while Clarkson, of Lingfield Drive, Cross Roads, is looking forward to her retirement.

The prosecution, which was brought by the Department for Work and Pensions, alleged that the pair were involved in stealing money from the surgery between April 2000 and May 2006.

Yesterday prosecutor Stephen Grattage told Judge Benson that in light of things revealed in the defence report it had been decided to offer no evidence in relation to each count against the two defendants.

Judge Benson told the two women: “That’s the end of the matter.”