AN ACCOUNTS assistant stole £29,000 from her employer — then quit blaming money worries and the cost of her 19-mile commute.
Rebecca Hassell, 23, diverted refunds at a car dealer to her accounts.
She also tried to steal a further £18,000 using the firm’s card machines.
The thefts were found when Hassell quit family-run Oakmere Motor Group in Northwich, Cheshire, in June 2023.
It saw two staff having to take pay cuts.
Boss Jonathan Jarratt, 48, told Chester crown court: “I personally feel very badly let down by Rebecca’s actions.
“I tried to help with her personal circumstances.
“We really did care for her and to have that trust and compassion thrown back at us in that way is absolutely heartbreaking.
“It is not a victimless crime. The culture in our business will never be the same.
“The relationship between the staff and management is very much the worse for it.”
Hassell, who admitted fraud, got a suspended prison sentence and must do 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehab days.
A proceeds of crime hearing will take place to recover the cash.
