A former treasurer for a North Devon preschool has been sentenced to eight months in prison for stealing £29,000 from the organisation. Jenny Cannon-Smith, 46, admitted to fraud by abuse of position at Exeter Crown Court.
The court heard that Ms Cannon-Smith began diverting funds from Berrynarbour village preschool into her own accounts six months after taking on the role, continuing for a year. The fraud reportedly left the school facing closure, though the local community raised funds to keep it operating.
Judge Stephen Climie noted that Ms Cannon-Smith, who had no previous convictions, was repaying debts from a failed pub business, owing £50,000. Her defence stated she was deeply ashamed and caught in a cycle of debt.
The court was told that the fraud also meant tax had not been paid, and committee members faced sleepless nights over potential responsibility for the stolen money. Judge Climie said her conviction should dispel rumours within the close-knit community.