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Jun 2024
Ex-Knaresborough finance manager jailed for £334,000 fraud
A former Knaresborough employee was today jailed for several fraud offences.
Louise Chambers, 41, is originally from Thirsk but worked as a finance manager for a group of Knaresborough-based companies. She was in post between March 2021 and November 2022, after which she was dismissed.
North Yorkshire Police today said a review of Chambers’ work identified fraudulent payments from company accounts to accounts linked to her, including a current account, a credit card and a council tax account.
The statement added police were called in and a criminal investigation was launched. Further police enquiries uncovered fraudulent transactions totalling more than £34,000.
The force also said:
Further discrepancies were discovered in the accounts in relation to an invoice discounting facility, which saw the company having to pay back over £300,000 due to Chambers’ actions.
She was later arrested and charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position.
Chambers pleaded guilty at York Crown Court last month.
She was today sentenced to three years and one month in prison at the same court.
DC Amy Webster Gonzalez said after today’s hearing:
Chambers’ crimes caused significant financial damage to a local business with a good reputation, risked the livelihoods of other staff members, and put significant financial and emotional strain on company directors.
She abused her position for her own selfish gain. But her dishonesty was uncovered, and the investigation has ensured she has now faced justice for her actions.
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