An worker left an property company dealing with close to chapter after stealing near £80,000 in hire cash and deposits from prospects of property brokers Sansome and George, which has places of work overlaying Kingsclere and Newbury, Theale, Mortimer and Tadley.
The 52-year-old, of St Mary’s Avenue, Purley, was a trusted worker, leaving firm administrators devastated to find her deceit.
Administrators informed the court docket the enterprise practically went beneath and continues to cope with the monetary and emotional repercussions of Knight’s actions.
Knight was solely caught due to errors which led to an audit, in line with Donna Tulio, prosecuting.
It transpired that Knight had been stealing tens of 1000’s of kilos and hiding the funds in varied financial institution accounts.
Knight admitted stealing £78,481.45 from the property company between 14 October 2020 and 10 October 2023.
Director Paul Bampton stated in a sufferer affect assertion: “The emotional pressure continues to take its toll.
“I’ve given my entire working life to this firm… 28 years of blood, sweat and tears.
“This act, by an individual I trusted, virtually tore the enterprise down.
“Would the enterprise survive?
“What can be the affect on our status?
“The burden was enormous; I wrestle to grasp how somebody may very well be so egocentric… she has a complete lack of regret for her sickening greed and dreadful actions.”
One other director, Charles Hayes, informed the court docket: “We constructed our status on belief and reliability… her actions affected our enterprise, our purchasers and the neighborhood.
“We deal with our staff like household and our status is all the things to us.
“The emotional toll has been devastating; we’re nonetheless discovering proof of stolen cash – it’s ongoing.
“On a private stage the sense of betrayal has been overwhelming; we thought-about her a good friend and supported her via troublesome instances.
“We’re nonetheless having to reimburse purchasers every day.”
Knight, launched on unconditional bail, will be sentenced at Studying Crown Courtroom on a date to be fastened.
