A WOMAN who stole £840 destined for a military charity has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Lynn Jamieson, 51, organised an event in aid of Help for Heroes at the Garden Farm public house in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, two years ago.

But suspicions were raised among regulars in the pub about whether the money raised had actually reached the charity.

She was challenged about the cash and police were called.

Jamieson said the money had been in a sock in her wardrobe and gone missing while she was on holiday.

She said she suspected a 16-year-old girl had taken it but had not reported it to police.

Paula Sanderson, prosecuting, Consett Magistrates’ Court this morning, (Tuesday, April 7) said: “The defendant was the main organiser. She contacted Help for Heroes and arranged the charity side of things. She collected the money and she was responsible for the banking.

“None of the regulars received any information about how much was raised so a few questions were asked.”

The court heard she went on holiday shortly after the charity event and had paid for everything for her and a partner.

Jamieson, who lives in the Dunston area of Gateshead, was convicted at an earlier trial of theft between August 16, 2013, and March 21 last year.

The court was told she had repaid £300 of the money to the charity.

No representations were made on her behalf.

District Judge Martin Walker said her previous good character and the fact she looks after young children had prevented her from going to jail immediately.

He imposed a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for a year and ordered her to pay a further £540 to Help for Heroes.

She will also be electronically tagged for 28 days and have to observe a curfew between 8pm and 6am.

He said: “You raised money for a charity that is well liked, well supported and people are prepared to make a financial sacrifice to help towards. I take into account that amount of money was significant.

“You blamed someone else and that is one of the worst aspects of the case.”