A WOMAN whose fraudulent activity almost sent her employer’s garage business to the wall, left court yesterday with a suspended prison sentence.

Paula Kitching took more than £32,000 in little more than two years after being taken on as the trusted secretary and book-keeper for Louis Smith Motors based in the village of Staindrop, near Barnard Castle.

But, Durham Crown Court heard her dishonesty only came to light after she went off on the sick and submitted her resignation in February 2015.

Jane Waugh, prosecuting, said that a short time later HM Revenue and Customs imposed a £1,000 fine as the business VAT returns, which were among Kitching’s responsibilities, had not been submitted.

It led to an examination of the books, revealing further discrepancies, which were put down to Kitching’s activities.

Miss Waugh read from owner Brian Atkinson’s victim statement, in which he said it almost sent the company to the wall.

He said it had also affected him mentally with the stress and worry over meeting the shortfall, and his other staff suffered as he had to make late payments to them.

Mr Atkinson said he felt she took advantage of his good nature and hands-off approach.

Thirty-eight-year-old Kitching, of Lingard Walk, Newton Aycliffe, admitted six counts of fraud at a previous hearing.

Simon Walker, mitigating, told the court: “What can be said is that the lady before you in court today is not the same person who committed these offences.”

Mr Walker said at the time she had responsibility for up to six children, including some she was voluntarily fostering, without any financial help.

He said that arrangement has since ended as she has suffered serious illness, and had to undergo surgery for a brain tumour, which, although successful, had had a number of side-effects.

Mr Walker said these included vision and mobility difficulties, which the court was previously told had led her to make past appearances with the use of a wheelchair.

Judge Christopher Prince told her: “You stole £32,000 from your employer and there’s nothing to justify behaving like that.

“But, since then, you have been seriously ill, and have been subject to surgery, leading to reduced mobility, due to visual and balance difficulties.

“If you went to custody you would go straight into the healthcare wing and you may have to be moved out for the specialist care you need.

“I also accept that very much in your life has changed and believe it would be unjust for you to go straight to prison today.”

He imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

She must also pay a £100 statutory court surcharge and will be subject to proceeds of crime inquiries, with a court hearing scheduled for August.