A TREASURER who stole £4,000 from her village community association has been spared jail.

Linda Bewick, 49, pocketed the cash belonging to Donwell Village Community Association in Washington.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Bewick, who had been treasurer for three years, kept money she had been handed, some of which should have been used to pay bills.

As a result the village hall, which has been part of the community for 38 years, almost had to close.

Bewick, of St. Andrews Avenue, Donwell, admitted theft at an earlier hearing.

Judge Esmond Faulks sentenced her to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered her to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £651 to the association.

The court heard how Bewick did not know why she became involved in the dishonesy.

Judge Faulks told her: "You did not do it because of financial need, both you and your husband have good jobs.

"I can only take it you did it for pure greed.

"I can imagine the members of the association are utterly horrified because you were in a position of trust and you breached that trust by pocketing the money.

"You let all your colleagues down and you should be ashamed."