Gambling addict swindled council out of £7k for rent and Amazon shopping

A gambling addict with previous convictions for fraud and theft swindled almost £7,000 from the local authority to pay for online shopping and rent.

Karen Deakin, 56, from Haverfordwest, was a purchase card officer for Pembrokeshire council, and was able to increase the limit on employee credit cards to spend £6,915.20.

In sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Geraint Walters KC said she had a "dreadful record of being dishonest" and should be "locked up".

But new sentencing guidelines meant Deakin received a 12-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to repay the money.

He also said he was "surprised" by the council's vetting procedure when employing Deakin.

Megan Williams KC, prosecuting, said Deakin used her own employee purchase card, as well as cards belonging to former employees, to buy personal items and pay her rent to the council.

Deakin's purchase card had a £1 credit limit because her role was to deal with purchasing queries.

But Deakin increased the limit to allow her to spend the council's money.

Between 22 March and 29 October 2024, she spent £6,915.20 of council funds.

Deakin made "full and frank admissions" to the council when confronted and was immediately suspended under investigation.

She pleaded guilty and told the court she had been experiencing financial difficulties because of an online gambling addiction.

Deakin has three previous convictions, dating from 1996 to 2012, for theft and fraud-related offences.

Emily Bennett KC, defending, said Deakin was "deeply ashamed" of her actions and apologised to the council.

She said Deakin had developed a gambling addiction and that "rather than seeking help she became embroiled within that addiction".

Sentencing Deakin to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, Walters described her criminal record as "pretty unimpressive".

He said he was "surprised" by the council's vetting procedure when employing her.

The judge described Deakin as having a "dreadful record of being dishonest".

He said part of him believed she "should be locked up this time", but said he had to consider new sentencing guidelines which state when a sentence is 12 months or less the court should consider whether immediate imprisonment is "absolutely necessary".

Walters told Deakin that this was her "last warning".

Deakin was also ordered to repay the stolen money.