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19
Dec
Ripon pizza worker admits £15,800 fraud
A Ripon woman has admitted defrauding Domino’s Pizza out of almost £16,000.
Martyna Holica, of Cornbell Gate in the Bishopton area of the city, pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates Court today (December 19).
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court Holica was working at Domino’s Pizza in Ripon at the time of the offence.
The court heard suspicious activity was detected on the shop's bank account between November 2021 and August 2022. An investigation found Holica, 24, had taken £15,872.
She used a company bank card to make 87 transactions, the court heard, and the amount of money taken increased over time.
Ms Ibbotson said the first transaction made was for £37 and the final attempted transaction amounted to £600.
The prosecution said:
The defendant admitted it to Domino’s and she was suspended. There has been communication between the defendant and Domino’s about the money being paid back.
Ms Ibbotson told the court Holica had “severe money issues” at the time of the offence and was described as “very remorseful, open and honest” about her actions.
The money has not yet been paid back, the court heard.
Defendant has 'suffered quite a lot'
Brian Nuttney, defending, reiterated Holica was remorseful for her actions, adding she was very co-operative in the aftermath.
Mr Nuttney said:
She contacted the police herself about paying the money back. She has money saved and is doing everything possible to try and make amends.
The court heard the defendant, who was visibly upset in court, has “suffered quite a lot”.
After her father’s death when she was 13, Holica had to take on the role of bringing up her younger siblings alongside her mother.
Mr Nuttney also said Holica was in a relationship at the time of the offence.
He told the court it was “not an equal relationship” and it was Holica who provided an income for the couple.
Mr Nuttney added:
She was the one earning the money. But she found it difficult to ask for help when things became hard. She was using her own bank card to get refunds on it.
Holica suffered with anxiety, the court heard.
Mr Nuttney said the defendant admitted it was a “stupid offence”. He added Holica was not in a "huge position of trust, she was not a manager" when working at Domino's.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be completed. Holica will be sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates Court on January 31.
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