Charity worker jailed for 15 months for learning difficulty charity scam
A charity worker, who embezzled almost £20,000 from adults with learning difficulties, has been jailed for 15 months.
Katrina McKenna, 50, from the Milton area of Glasgow, was responsible for depositing state benefits into the bank accounts of seven adults in her care.
But instead she cashed 101 cheques and deposited a lower amount, siphoning-off £18,546 over a three-year period.
The scam was discovered after a review by the charity of its processes.
Cash was to be taken from the bank to Enable Scotland Limited office's, lodged in a safe and paid over to the individual when they needed it.
But the Airdrie-based charity noticed a "high level of withdrawals" from two of McKenna's clients between 1 April 2008 and 24 February 2011.
At Airdrie Sheriff Court, McKenna was told by the sheriff: "There is no alternative but a custodial sentence for an offence of this nature."
Sheriff Frank Pieri said: "Given the length of time of the embezzlement, the identity of those the money was for and your position of trust, custody is the only alternative."
The sentence was reduced from 18 months because of her early plea.