A woman who ran a charity for vulnerable women in Harrow has been jailed for after swindling the organisation for more than two years.

Ruth Hiscock overpaid herself nearly £40,500 while in the position of finance officer and centre coordinator at the Harrow Women’s Centre (HWC) between January 2013 and March 2015.

The charity, which offers support for women in need, hardship and distress , said her actions left it on the brink of closure.

The 37-year-old, from North Orbital Road in Watford was sacked after the overpayment was discovered.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on 25 October, and was sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday (November 15).

Hiscock was charged with overpaying herself £40,497.67 but admitted to taking £33,771.26, which was accepted by the Criminal Prosecution Service.

The deceit started to come to light in December 2014 when a member of the charity’s board of trustees realised that some staff had not been paid and became suspicious. Then in January 2015 it emerged one person had gone months without pay.

Shortly after, another board of trustees’ member became aware that the HWC’s finances had not been managed properly, and that rent had not been paid to Harrow Council .

The board soon realised that bills had not been paid and Hiscock was overpaying herself.

She was suspended in April 2015, and at a disciplinary hearing admitted the offence, saying: “I hold my hands up I took the money and I admit I am guilty for all the payments that were taken on top of salary taken.”

However, she could not account for the money or repay it, and was dismissed for gross misconduct with immediate effect.

Police were subsequently called and Hiscock was arrested at her home on June 6 last year.

During their investigation police established Hiscock overpaid herself nearly £50,000 and she was charged on August 30 2016.

Detective Constable Phil Moor, the investigating officer from Harrow Community Safety Unit , said: “Hiscock’s selfish actions have had a significant impact on the community and almost resulted in the closure of a much-needed charity.

“Hiscock abused her position of trust, deceived her colleagues, and took advantage of the Harrow Women’s Centre for her own gain for more than two years.”

In a statement, the HWC board of trustees said: “In her capacity as finance officer and centre coordinator, Ruth had full knowledge and appreciation of the potential consequences of what she was doing and the devastating impact it would have on the HWC and therefore the community at large.

“Nineteen months after the discovery of fraud, which almost forced the closure of the charity, HWC is once again in a position to plan for the future and develop the range of services which Harrow Council described as ‘unique and irreplaceable.’

“This significant achievement is the result of a tireless team effort, and reflects our commitment to local women.”

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