Chesterfield firm’s chief financial officer accused of stealing £1.25m

Karen Brailsford, 53, allegedly stole the money for almost a decade – between March 2012 and February 2021.

Prosecutor Jenna Minton told Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (Monday) how the charges were brought following an investigation into Action Fraud.

Ms Minton said: “The defendant was a finance manager at the time – it is alleged that around £1.25m was stolen.”

The prosecutor added that the starting point in terms of sentencing for the offense was seven years in prison with a range of five to eight years.

Ms Minton added that the case was not likely to be difficult in the magistrates’ court.

Brailsford, of Whitehall Road, Wingfield, Rotherham, who faces a charge of fraud by abuse of position, gave no indication of his plea.

Sending his case to Derby Crown Court, a magistrate told Brailsford: “You will go to Derby Crown Court for your first hearing on August 8.

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