Bank officer jailed for embezzlement

Press, 19 February 1983, Page 7

Bank officer jailed for embezzlement

PA Hamilton A Taumarunui bank officer who embezzled $52,000 has been jailed for two years when sentenced in the High Court at Hamilton. Lynda Gilbert, aged 28, who had earlier pleaded guilty in the District Court at Taumarunui to three charges of theft as a servant, and three of falsifying bank accounts, appeared before Mr Justice Bisson for sentence. The Crown prosecutor, Mr V. R. Jamieson, said that there was actually $92,000 involved, but $40,000 used to adjust accounts had remained in the bank. Counsel, Mr J. C. La Hatte, said that the $52,000 had been taken by Gilbert, a senior checking officer, from her employer, the Bank of New Zealand, over a five-

year period. “It was an excessively complicated method of embezzlement involving a clearance account used within the bank. When she was caught she was pleased the charade was over,” said Mr La Hatte. Gilbert denied having a plan or purpose for the embezzlement but could not account for all the money. His Honour said that he would take into account that Gilbert had no previous conviction and had pleaded guilty to the charges. “It seems to be a case of sheer greed.” he said. The courts must make it clear that dishonesty in the commercial world, particularly the banking field, called for a deterrent sentence, he said.