A Winnipeg woman who admitted stealing $240,000 from her former employer has been granted a two-year conditional sentence.
Karen Denbow, 46, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of theft over $5,000.
Denbow stole the money while employed as an administrative assistant with VitalAire Canada between 1995 and 2002.
Court heard Denbow deposited customer cheques into petty cash accounts and then wrote cheques to herself and various city merchants.
“The stress of this particular situation has been enormous,” said defence lawyer Sheldon Pinx, noting Denbow lost her marriage and her house because of her actions.
VitalAire didn’t report Denbow to police until 2005, after winning a $370,000 civil judgment against her.
Denbow wasn’t charged criminally until 2007. Because banks don’t retain their records longer than seven years, the Crown was limited in what it could prove Denbow stole, said prosecutor Steve Johnston.
“Had we gone to trial, I don’t know that we would have been able to prove the full $240,000,” Johnston said. “We would have pursued this differently, had the case been less stale ... She could easily go to the penitentiary, but because of the circumstances we have decided to go a different avenue.”
Denbow has repaid more than $100,000 to VitalAire’s insurance company. Court heard Denbow has agreed to pay another $25,000 to settle her debt.
Judge Ray Wyant called Denbow’s actions “planned, premeditated and organized.”
“Even with repayment, there is likely money that will never be returned and you benefited from that,” Wyant said.
I agree with this sentence in that the woman has had enough stress, such as losing her marriage and home, and doesn't need the added stress along with damaging effects of being in prison. It's also good to see that she has paid back a lot of the money already and I think a conditional sentence is appropriate.
No comments:
Post a Comment