1.  The following was reported in the Jersey Evening Post on Saturday 24th May 2014 –

a.  A 55 year old woman has admitted stealing more than half a million pounds from clients of the investment company that she worked for.

b.  Patricia Ann Lomas appeared in the Royal Court yesterday to plead guilty to one count of larceny dating over a four – year period.

c.  The court heard that Lomas, who is originally from Manchester, stole £542,610.53 between 7 January 2009 and 19 November 2013 from clients of her employer, Ashburton.

2.  Bailiff Sir Michael Birt, presiding with Jurats Kerley and Crill, adjourned the case for sentencing. He told Lomas:

a.  ‘This case is going to be put off for sentencing on 14 July before the Superior Number.

b.  You will be remanded in custody and we are going to order a psychological report, as requested by your Advocate.’

3.  Peter Bourne, managing director of Ashburton (Jersey) Limited, confirmed to the JEP that

a.  Lomas had been employed by the company.

b.  He added that

–  they were confident it was a one – off event and that they have since reviewed their processes and controls.

–  ‘Although serious it has not had a detrimental effect on our operations in any way.’