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Treasurer jailed for eight months after stealing £29,000 from Devon preschool
Overview
Jenny Cannon-Smith, a 46-year-old preschool treasurer in north Devon, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after admitting to fraud by abuse of position. Exeter Crown Court heard that she diverted £29,000 from Berrynarbour village preschool accounts over a year to pay off debts stemming from a failed pub business. The theft nearly caused the school to close, but the local community successfully raised funds to keep it operating.
Key points
- Jenny Cannon-Smith stole £29,000 from Berrynarbour village preschool over a period of a year.
- The fraud nearly led to the closure of the preschool, prompting the local community to raise funds within a week to pay staff.
- Cannon-Smith was in severe debt after a local pub business she ran failed, leaving her owing £50,000.
- Exeter Crown Court sentenced her to eight months in prison after she admitted fraud by abuse of position.
- The defence stated the stolen money was used to pay off debts rather than fund a lavish lifestyle.