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A pregnant woman who swiped close to £1 million from her employers has dodged jail — but must cough up £221,000 or face prison.
£920k Fraud Uncovered at Newcastle Firm
Danielle Longstaffe, 33, ripped off her transport company by forging her boss’s signature to transfer vast sums. The Newcastle Crown Court heard she stole £920,285 in total, far more than initially thought.
Defence lawyer Clare Anderson said Longstaffe was “wholly and utterly remorseful,” emphasizing that she did not get pregnant to avoid punishment but that loan shark pressure pushed her to desperation.
“She was a well-respected employee for nine years but found an easy way to access cash. She’s devastated she let down colleagues and friends,” said Anderson.
More than 300 colleagues were affected by her actions.
