Finance manager who ‘abused position for own selfish gain’ jailed over fraud

A woman “caused significant financial damage to a local business” with crimes that cost her employer hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Louise Chambers, 41, from Thirsk, worked as finance manager for a group of Knaresborough-based companies in North Yorkshire from March 2021 to November 2022, when she was dismissed. A review then identified fraudulent payments from company accounts to accounts linked to Chambers, including a current account, a credit card and a council tax account.

North Yorkshire Police were called in, and a criminal investigation was launched. Chambers was arrested and interviewed, with police enquiries identifying fraudulent transactions totalling more than £34,000.

Further discrepancies were discovered in the accounts in relation to an invoice discounting facility which saw the company having to pay back over £300,000 due to Chambers’ actions.

Chambers was charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position. She pleaded guilty at York Crown Court in May 2024. On June 25 2024 at the same court she was jailed for a total of three years and one month.

After the hearing, DC Amy Webster Gonzalez, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Chambers’ crimes caused significant financial damage to a local business with a good reputation, risked the livelihoods of other staff members, and put significant financial and emotional strain on company directors.

“She abused her position for her own selfish gain. But her dishonesty was uncovered, and the investigation has ensured she has now faced justice for her actions.”

For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

Teesside Live – Teesside News