Friday 11th July, 2014

A partner at an accountancy firm with branches in Suffolk and Norfolk has admitted fraud involving £24,000. Mr Clarke blamed his actions on financial pressures and pointed to debts amounting to £30,000.

The court heard how Clarke had altered details on a cheque and paid it into his own bank account and also dishonestly paid VAT refunds from the Inland Revenue into his account.

Clarke, 31, had pleaded guilty to seven offences of fraud between November 2010 and May 2013 .

He was sentenced to a 12-month prison term suspended for two years and ordered to do 240 hours’ unpaid work in the community.

The court heard how Clarke's fraudulent activitiy and bad decision making has left his reputation and career in ruins. Clarke who had earned up to £60,000 pa before his dismissal, is now working for a lettings agency, earning £20,000 pa.

However, the court heart that Clarke intended to make good the loss caused by his offending and had been in contact with his previous employer to that effect.

The Prosecuting Counsel said Clarke had repaid the outstanding balance from his offending.