​Court hears how cocaine addiction led to theft from charity

A cocaine addicted charity worker who stole £25,000 belonging to vulnerable clients has been jailed for 18 months.

Gillian Morrison wrote cheques for herself in her job as a secretary for the rehabilitation charity Turning Point Scotland in Prestwick, Ayrshire.

She also stole a large sum from the charity's petty cash box.

Sheriff Carole Cunninghame told her: “Custody cannot be avoided.

We are naturally disappointed by this and have met with the families and carers

“The agency involved gives assistance to very vulnerable people.”

Ayr Sheriff Court heard how Morrison’s partner introduced her to cocaine to which she became addicted.

This led to her stealing the cash, her lawyer claimed.

One cheque was for the sum of £15,955.

She was caught after she consistently failed to turn up for work. Bosses then noticed unapproved cheques had been written and a large sum of cash had gone missing.

The charity launched an investigation during which the 34-year-old mum confessed.

Morrison admitted to ­embezzling £25,000 between May 1 and November 13 last year.

A spokesperson from Turning Point Scotland said: “Our robust internal systems and procedures detected this early and our concern led to us conducting an investigation.

“This led to a full disciplinary process resulting in us making the police aware at an early stage as this was clearly a criminal issue.

“We are naturally disappointed by this and have met with the families and carers from this service. All money has been reimbursed to those affected.”