Isle of Wight holiday park employee stole more than £13,000

Kathryn Lucas, of Crossway, Bembridge, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, May 31.

The 27-year-old admitted theft by an employee, in East Cowes, between October 1, 2019, and August 1, 2021.

Prosecutor, Munayah Hassan, said Lucas had been employed by Waverley Park Holiday Centre and was caught refunding money onto her bank card.

She said she stole money to the value of £13,085.93, and in July 2021, it was brought to the attention of her manager.

The court heard Lucas stole the money because ‘loan sharks were after her grandmother’, and her grandfather had gone on to pay back some of the money to the park.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said she had been having recurring nightmares since the incident and it had shaken her faith in people.

Ms Hassan said it was a gross misuse of position, a high value theft sophisticated in nature, and a breach of a high degree of trust.

Bridget O'Hagan, defending, argued it was not a sophisticated theft as the funds went straight into her personal account.

She said Lucas made full admissions and just shy of £13,000 was outstanding.

Lucas saw her case adjourned to July 16 at the same venue.

She was granted unconditional bail until that date.