Pocklington woman jailed after stealing £700k of staff pensions
She told friends she'd won the money by gambling
Last updated 41 minutes ago
A woman from Pocklington who stole more than £700,000 from the business she worked for and other people's pensions has been jailed for four years.
Gemma Phoenix, 44, of Hayton Avenue pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position.
Hull Crown Court heard how Phoenix was a bookkeeper and director of a taxi firm from April 2023 to August 2024.
She was responsible for managing the business accounts: making payments to drivers, office staff, and transferring pension contributions.
An investigation began after police received reports that staff pension contributions hadn't been paid.
Evidence showed that these payments were actually going into Phoenix's bank account instead.
She stole around £693,965 and told friends she'd won big by gambling.
The taxi firm had to be sold in order to recoup the losses.
Police Constable Chelsea Walker, who led the investigation, said: “Phoenix is a business fraudster who stole thousands of pounds worth of money from the business all behind her work computer in the office.
“She was hidden in plain sight and was considered a trusted member of the business responsible for managing all the accounts, paying drivers and staff, and making crucial contributions to their pensions.
“Not only did Phoenix steal people’s hard-earned cash, she also severely impacted their future financial security and stability, with no regard as to how this would affect them."