Lianne Simpson admitted pocketing over £7,600 meant for school uniforms at Langton Green Primary near Tunbridge Wells.
Simpson placed uniform orders and collected cash from parents. The money should have gone to the school, but instead, she put much of it in her account, and the money did not return to the school.
Another employee noticed the theft when this helper saw low funds for orders. Simpson got arrested and faced fraud and theft charges.
Simpson admitted guilt and appeared in court on January 30. The school is located in Lampington Row, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells.
The court heard the details of the theft. Simpson moved £7,136.69 to her account between May and November 2023. She also stole £549.50 earlier, between September and December 2022.
A volunteer noticed problems in September 2022 while helping with orders. Simpson handled payments; the account had very little money, and Simpson handled the payments and orders.
Simpson said she would pay invoices and wanted to get reimbursed later. They said this was not a good idea. In September 2023, no income existed, and the PTA had to loan money, starting an investigation.
The school’s manager asked Simpson about the missing money, but Simpson could not explain it. They discovered she took money from parents and deposited it into her bank account, not giving the cash to the school.
A large part of the money went to Simpson’s personal account, and she could not clarify which invoices she paid. The total stolen was £7,668.19, and she had no prior criminal record.
The magistrates want a report before sentencing, including sending her to a higher court, which is an option for sentencing.
Simpson’s case is delayed four weeks while probation officers prepare the report. She returns to court on March 12, when the court will decide her sentence. She is free on bail until that date arrives.