A woman who embezzled thousands of pounds from a Perthshire shed-building firm has avoided a prison sentence.
Alison Carlin pocketed £16,000 while working as an office manager at Errol-based Gillies and Mackay.
Perth Sheriff Court heard the 40-year-old from Bridge of Earn embezzled the cash over a year-long period from January 31 2018 at the company’s East Inchmichael Farm base.
Carlin, who appeared in a promotional video for the company, was told such a large-scale embezzlement would normally result in imprisonment.
However, the first offender avoided jail after the court heard she had managed to repay the money.
She has since resigned from her post with the firm.
A spokesperson for the company said in the wake of the sentencing: “Gillies and Mackay are a family run business with 20 staff members and the actions of Alison have been felt throughout the organisation.
“At the time, the embezzlement directly impacted the company’s performance and caused detrimental repercussions.
“It will always be remembered as an upsetting and difficult experience for all those who trusted her.”
A breach of trust
Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, told the court: “Ms Carlin was in a situation which she didn’t handle particularly well.
“She is a first offender and there is a strong indication that this was a one-off and she won’t trouble the court again.”
He added: “She has had the shock of this case calling in court and has faced the prospect of imprisonment for this breach of trust.”
He urged the court to consider alternatives to custody.
Sheriff William Wood told Carlin: “This was a significant breach of trust.
“It is to your credit that you saved up the money and repaid it.”
He said: “Clearly, you come before the court as a first offender.
“You may not have been aware that an offence of this nature, involving this amount of money, may normally justify a custodial sentence.
“But I think in this case, that can be avoided.”
Carlin, of Wicks O’ Baiglie Road, was placed on supervision for one year and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
The sheriff told her: “It is hoped that we don’t see you back here again.”
Gillies and Mackay, which sells sheds, summer houses and garden rooms, was established in 1989.
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