WOMAN STOLE MORE THAN £250,000 FROM COMPANY
ACROOKED accounts manager caused a company to fold after pocketing more than £250,000. Kathleen Ross stole the cash over four years from Campbell McWilliams in Glasgow city centre.
The 40-year-old worked for her aunt’s accountancy business, which handled the books for the management training firm.
Concerns had been raised about Ross – who was not a qualified accountant – but it was claimed “all was well”.
However, Heather Campbell – owner of the company stolen from – later learned money was missing and confronted Ross, who burst into tears.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard of the severe impact it had on Miss Campbell, 53, just weeks before the country went into a covid lockdown.
Prosecutor Amy Hunter said: “As a result of the fraud, Miss Campbell was advised to dissolve her company and this happened in February 2020.
“She set up a new business with no trading history. She required a high-interest loan to meet its obligations.
“The impact of the fraud lasted around a year during which she was unsure whether she would be in a financial position to retain her business and her home.”
Ross, of the city’s Netherlee, now faces jail after she admitted embezzling a total of £253,966 between February 2014 and July 2018.
The first offender was bailed pending sentencing next month.
Ross started work at Benham Conway and Co accountants in 2005. Her work was overseen by someone more qualified within the firm including her aunt Kathleen Benham.
Ross was put in charge of Campbell McWilliams’ bank account with Miss Benham checking her niece.
But, fiscal Miss Hunter said: “On 200 separate occasions, Ross accessed the bank account and transferred money to her own.
“This was a breach of her trust and in total she embezzled £253,966 with the sums varying from £200 to around £9000.”
The scam included Ross “false reference numbers” suppliers.
Miss Campbell had worries about Ross.
Miss Hunter told the court: “Her aunt examined the accounts and reassured Miss Campbell that all was well and she had no concerns over the job Ross was doing.”
However, Ross continued to steal using for but was snared by Miss Campbell due to discovering further discrepancies in the account.
She was “visibly upset, anxious and shaking” when Miss Campbell challenged her.
Miss Hunter said: “She told Miss Campbell that she would have to resign in an attempt to prevent her from getting a new accountant.”
Ross later confessed to her aunt and has since paid pack £26,993.
Sheriff Sean Murphy QC deferred sentencing for reports.
On 200 separate occasions, Ross accessed the account
AMAN who admitted abusing a security guard at a Rangers match represented himself in court by denying he had carried out the offence.
Craig MacPherson pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening manner to a guard at Ibrox during a home game against Kilmarnock FC.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that, on March 16, 2019, the 35-year-old was spotted during half-time trying to access the away supporters’ seating area, which is prohibited.
Prosecutor Chris McKnight told the court the security officer approached MacPherson, who began shouting and swearing.
Mr McKnight said: “He pointing in his face and began telling him to “F*** off” and that he was a “f ****** disgrace”.
“This was partially observed by police witnesses. They arrested the accused who was thereafter cautioned and charged.”
Sheriff Jonathan Guy asked MacPherson what he had to say to explain his behaviour.
MacPherson said: “I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. I was two stands away from the supporters. I wasn’t arrested – I just gave police my name and left.
“I had an argument with the security guard because I thought his attitude was ridiculous.
“I have been told I shouldn’t have pleaded guilty to it but I have now. “It’s dragged on too long now.” The sheriff replied: “What you are setting out is not mitigation.”
MacPherson answered: “I pleaded guilty so I have nothing else to add.”
He was slapped with a structured deferred sentence for six months.
The sheriff added: “While you, to an extent, feel aggrieved, your behaviour was unacceptable.
“An option open to me is to ban you from attending football matches so you should be aware of that in terms of your future behaviour.”
MacPherson is due to appear at court again in August.