Shop workers avoid jail terms for £40,000 Whitchurch Co-op fraud

The women were all working at the former Co-op branch, in Wrexham Road, when they misused ‘swipe and win’ coupons which gave money off the total cost and reductions for specific goods.

Coupons were kept back by some of the group and used repeatedly to reduce the cost of their own shopping bills.

One £10 coupon was even laminated so it could continue to be used, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

All were sentenced for an offence of conspiracy to commit fraud by abuse of position between January and December 2016.

Yazmin Moore, 27, a team leader, of Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, admitted serving herself and colleagues, registering £9,644.25 in fraudulent discounts.

Colleague Susan Broster, 59, also of Wrexham Road, recorded £8,926.

Another team leader Sally Smith, 49, of Caldecott Crescent, served herself and was among staff captured on CCTV using coupons kept in her uniform and her handbag, registering £2,299.29.

In her police interview she said that others were involved in the con.

Denied

Lana Kennedy, 22, also a former team leader of Alkington Road, admitted getting £1,574 worth of discounts to benefit herself, but declined to comment further in her interview.

Till operator Sophie Birch, 21, of Gilberts Lane, Coton, registered £1,018 and told police investigators that she did not use the coupons for herself, but that she served other members of staff.

Michelle Carson, 43, of Wrexham Road, denied the charge, but was found guilty following a trial last month after the jury heard she had spurious discounts totalling £1,010 registered on her till.

Louise Wyke, 39, of Wem Road, Tilstock, registered £772 served to staff; while Mandy Moore, 49, of Edward German Drive, Whitchurch, registered £425.29.

Smith, Kennedy, Broster, Yazmin Moore and Mandy Moore were sentenced to 14 months jail suspended for two years.

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Smith, Kennedy and Mandy Moore must carry out 150 hours unpaid work.

Broster must attend 20 rehabilitation activity days while Yazmin Moore must carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

Birch, Carson and Wyke were sentenced to 12-month community orders and must carry out 150 hours unpaid work.

Representing herself, Smith told the court: “My husband has suffered two heart attacks due to the stress. I can’t believe we have found ourselves in this situation and I accept what has been said. I am truly sorry and I will do whatever the court says.”

In sentencing Judge Anthony Lowe said: “None of you have any previous convictions. The fact is that you have lost your good character borne from a complete atmosphere of greed and you allowed yourselves to be caught up in it.

“I can’t understand how it has happened, but it did.

“That is something that you will have to look back on and reflect. Nevertheless, all of you have expressed remorse and the shame that this has brought on you and the effect on your family and friends.”

The store has since been taken over by McColls. Some of the defendants have resigned.

The court heard that efforts will be made by the Crown Prosecution Service to recoup the money from the defendants.