Carol Rendell, 58, from Wiltshire, was given a two-year jail sentence, suspended for two years at Salisbury Crown Court on 30 January after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position, contrary to section 4 of the Fraud Act.

The court heard that Rendell abused her position as volunteer treasurer after stealing £56,441 from the Devizes Wharf Theatre, in the town of Devizes in Wiltshire.

The offence took place when Rendell was volunteering between May 2019 and February 2024 at the theatre. Over this period, Rendell stole cash from the theatre and transferred the money to her and her husband’s bank account, covering up her activity using false figures in the accounts.

Wiltshire Police said: ‘No charges were ever brought against her husband as there was insufficient evidence.’

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