A WOMAN who embezzled thousands of pounds while manager of a charity shop in Clydebank has been branded “shameful” by a sheriff.

Agnes McCourt, 57, appeared for sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court having previously admitted to taking the money from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in the Clyde Shopping Centre.

The court heard that between January 6 and 13, 2018, at the shop, McCourt, while in the trusted position as manager, siphoned off £1,960.62 from the charity.

Prosecutor Emma Thomson told the court: “McCourt was the manager of the BHF charity shop for 13 years, responsible for cashing up, dealing with cash and making the bank reports.

“It came to light on January 6 there was £395 in takings not banked, the following day £57 was missing and on January 8 and 9 there was £269 in takings not banked the first day and £248 the second. In total £1,960 was embezzled.

“Head office were informed of the missing money and police were contacted. On June 7 she was arrested and made relevant admissions. She was cautioned and charged.”

There was no explanation given in court on Friday why McCourt, of Lusset View, Radnor Park, took the money.

Defence lawyer Gail Campbell told the court: “She made admissions of guilt immediately to the police. She is aware of how serious the charge is and the situation she finds herself in.

“She has managed to scrape £400 together to pay by way of compensation. With this conviction she will find it very difficult to get another job.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told McCourt: “I’m not going to impose a custodial sentence. I am going to put you on a community payback order.

“I don’t have to emphasise the shame you have brought upon yourself.

“You were in a trusted position working for a charity and took their money.

“It is deeply shameful what you have done. It is a significant amount of money which is unlikely you will be able to pay back.”

McCourt was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work in the community, reduced from the maximum of 300 because of her early plea. She was told to the carry out the work within 12 months.

She was also put on supervision for six months and ordered to hand over the £400 as compensation to be passed on to the BHF.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at BHF, said: “We were saddened by the actions of this employee, but our internal processes and use of CCTV meant we were able to spot the activity early on.

“As soon as we learned of the theft, it was passed over to the police and we began an internal investigation.

“At the BHF, every penny we raise for live-saving heart research is through the generosity of our committed supporters, so we’re pleased that justice has been served.”