A HEREFORDSHIRE woman who transferred money from her employer into accounts set up in the names of family members has been given a suspended prison sentenced.

Lorraine Waller, aged 47, who lives in Little Hereford, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to making 27 money transfers and 10 counts of obtaining property by deception.

Gareth Walters, prosecuting, said that Waller had stolen a total of £11,403 from Leominster-based M&M Direct.

"This is a case of theft from an employer by an employee in a position of trust," he said.

Waller had joined the company in 2002 and by March 2005 she had become a member of its customer services team, he said.

She sent money designated for customer refunds into bank accounts made in her own name and the names of family members without their knowledge.

Waller was arrested by police on June 2 last year and the offences took place over a period of between six months to a year.

"She had also sent goods belonging to the company to relations as presents and had hidden those within the accounts system," Mr Walters said.

Eric Waley, for Waller, said she carried out the offences to help her sons who had financial difficulties.

"It was wrong and she knows it was wrong and she is extremely remorseful," he said.

"She committed a gross breach of trust and she accepts that, but she was not doing it for herself or for high living."

He added that Waller, who is now working as a cleaner, was prepared to compensate the company.

Judge Toby Hooper said theft from an employer was a serious offence and he hoped the sentence would act as a deterrent to others likely to fall into temptation.

"You made a sophisticated and carefully premeditated manipulation of your employer's secure systems to make payments for your own and your family's benefit, which represents a breach of trust of the severest kind," he said.

Waller was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, an 18-month supervision requirement and was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.