Ayr woman who embezzled neighbour's christmas savings avoids jail

Jan 15 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A CALLOUS thief who stole her neighbour’s Christmas savings has been spared a prison sentence.

Margaret-Anne Boyes embezzled hundreds of pounds from clients saving through Park’s Christmas hamper company.

Boyes, 39, was working as an agent for the Liverpool based company during 2009.

But she failed to pass on over £1000 to Park’s and in October last year, three of her clients received letters saying there was a discrepancy.

She has since borrowed money from a loan shark in order to pay the cash back.

At Ayr Sheriff Court this week, Boyes was sentenced to community service for her deception.

Sheriff Carole Cunningham told her: “You’re well aware this is a serious matter and a serious breach of trust.

“In other circumstances this would warrant a custodial sentence. However, the court takes account that you are a first offender, you pled guilty at the earliest opportunity and that all three complainers have been recompensed.”

Housebound mum Brenda Fullarton was one of the victims who were ripped off by the heartless con woman.

Brenda suffers from MS and a nerve-attacking disorder called neurofibromatosis.

She regarded Boyes as a friend for more than eight years.

Brenda, who is wheelchair-bound said: “I’m so hurt. I can’t forgive her and I’ll never speak to her again.

“She came into my home and took my money in her hand, all the time knowing she wasn’t going to pay it.

“She’s never attempted to apologise.”

Boyes, who works in the laundry of an Ayr nursing home, earlier pleaded guilty to embezzling the cash between January 1 and November 1 2009.

Her defence lawyer Tony Currie said: “There has been a significant breach of trust. She understands that.”

Boyes was ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service.