A MORCHARD Bishop woman has admitted stealing thousands of pounds from the accounts of Lapford Pre-School over 11 months.

Abigail McPherson (36), the pre-school's former administrator, took more than £5,000 from the school while she was employed to run the pre-school during the 2009 – 2010 academic year.

She complained she had been the victim of a miscarriage of justice when similar charges against her were brought last year and then dropped.

She described the case against her as "a farce" and said she had been forced to withdraw her daughter from the village school because of the publicity.

The young mother was charged for a second time after the case was reopened by police and the Crown Prosecution Service and has now admitted a number of offences.

McPherson, of Greenaway, Morchard Bishop, admitted three frauds and eight thefts, totalling £5,474.05 when she appeared at Exeter Crown Court.

She denied eight other offences of false accounting, which related to allegations that she tampered with cheque stubs and other records.

The charges allege she took money by writing cheques for cash on the Lapford Pre-School account and taking amounts ranging from £150 to £800 on occasions between September 2009 and August 2010.

She also admitted failing to pay an insurance renewal and some invoices.

Among the charges she denies is the allegation she withdrew more money than was needed to pay wages and pocketed the difference.

Mr Tom Bradnock, prosecuting, said the pleas were acceptable and reflected the totality of her offending. He said confiscation proceedings will now follow.

Mr Mark Jackson, defending, asked for the case to be adjourned for a pre sentence report and said McPherson was a woman of previous good character who is now living on benefits.

Judge Erik Salomonsen adjourned the case and told her: "You have pleaded guilty to a number of counts of fraud and theft from the Lapford pre-school. Your representative will have explained the court's sentencing powers.

"I am going to adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report so the court can understand all there is to know and the report can address all the sentencing options.

"In seeking a report I am making no promises about the eventual outcome."

Following the hearing, Caroline Gilpin and Emma Treby, co-chairs at the end of the period when the thefts took place, emphasised that the thefts did not take place while the school was under their management.

They issued a joint statement: "Lapford Pre-School is relieved that Abigail McPherson has finally admitted her guilt with regard to theft and fraudulent activities which she undertook whilst in the position of financial administrator.

"Thousands of pounds were taken from the Pre-School which left it facing closure and in turn this had the potential to affect Lapford's Primary School and community more widely.

"Two and a half years on, the Pre-School is proud to say that, due to a committed team of staff and a dedicated committee of Pre-School parents, it is now completely debt free and thriving.

"This would not have been possible without many sacrifices from staff, tireless work from the committee and some very generous donations from nearby organisations."

Detective Constable Dawn Perriam of Tiverton CID, who has been dealing with the case, said: "I am delighted with the result of this case. This has been a long and complex investigation.

"I am pleased that the offender has finally been brought to justice.

"The community has been affected by one person's behaviour and the personal trauma this has caused to individuals has been great."

DC Perriam said that it was not until McPherson had resigned in July 2010 that the committee found the account was overdrawn and the school owed money to many different companies.

She had begun employment in November 2009.

It was in February 2010 that one member of the pre-school staff, the assistant manager telephoned her colleague and explained that bailiffs had been round to her home address, demanding money.

The money owed was for Council Tax, which should have been paid by McPherson when she completed the wages.

The lack of payments are believed to have coincided with McPherson implementing a new school wages procedure in January 2010.

What was believed to have also been a false email with regard to Council Tax payment was also received by one of the then pre-school staff.

DC Perriam added: "This theft has caused the committee members huge personal stress especially in regards to being liable for the schools debt.

"Lapford pre-school have always had in place an insurance policy issued by PLA. This policy is a standard insurance covering matters such as premises, contents, public liability and employer's liability.

"Due to McPherson not paying the policy, the committee then became responsible for the debt."

Two members of staff were unable to continue in employment at the pre-school, due to the actions of McPherson.

McPherson is also alleged to have enjoyed a holiday to Australia following her resignation from the role as financial administrator at the pre-school and after declaring herself bankrupt.

McPherson was bailed to re-appear before Exeter Crown Court on March 14.