Gambling addict treasurer must repay stolen cash

An application has been made under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover cash from Tracey Hills believed to be the total benefit from her criminal activity.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday Hills' lawyers were given until March to provide details involving £20,470 said to be "unaccounted-for bank transfers".

Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said the inquiry into Hills' full financial status will also involve a valuation of her matrimonial home.

Hills, 47, of Marche Lane, Halfway House, was jailed for 16 months in July last year after admitting charges of theft and false accounting.

She siphoned money from the accounts of the Halfway House and Wattlesborough Village Hall Committee, near the Shropshire and Powys border.

Over a six-year period, between 2005 and 2011, the mother-of-three stole a total of £20,100 and hid the thefts by providing false accounts.

Hills was said to have "grossly abused" her position as treasurer to feed her internet gambling addiction, involving online casino and bingo sites, and had borrowed money from Wonga at a high interest rate to cover her debt.

An earlier hearing was told Hills had been in sole charge of the committee's bank account until new chairman, Toni Preece, asked for access.

While Hills initially attempted to prevent anyone else being able to view the accounts, Ms Preece gained access in July 2011 and began an audit which began to reveal the scale of the wrongdoing.

It was revealed at sentencing that a property belonging to Hills in Lanzarote was on the market to recoup the cash.

Judge Peter Barrie adjourned the case until April for a final hearing to determine the extent of the confiscation order.