The owner of a Banbridge dessert bar has branded a former employee “despicable” after she stole from a child’s charity box.
Sarah Lindsey Dudley, from Cordrain Road in Tandragee, who appeared in court on Thursday had initially denied the single charge of theft.
However, the 43-year-old pleaded guilty at the eleventh hour ahead of a scheduled contest at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court – sitting in Newry.
Dudley, who was formerly an employee and key-holder at Oggie’s Dessert Bar on Rathfriland Street, was accused of stealing money from the charity box on dates between June 16 and 17 last year.
Her conviction comes after her actions were caught on CCTV – a camera she then proceeded to turn away moments after raiding the box which had been placed on the counter.
Deputy District Judge White handed Dudley a £200 and warned her about staying on the right side of the law going forward.
Darren Ogle, owner of Oggies, speaking to Armagh I after the case, said: “I cannot express how disappointed and disgusted I am that this woman, who I trusted, carried out such a despicable act.
“Not only was it a breach of trust but a shameful act to steal from a well-known children’s charity that everybody in the town has gotten behind and supported.
“I am glad the police and courts took this matter seriously and hopefully it acts as a deterrent for any other potential thieves.”
