A woman who worked for Chester Race Company stole more than £4,000 from the business.

Lucy Kaur, 41, of Holbeck Street, Liverpool, had previously pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to the charge of theft by employee.

Appearing back at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, July 26, Kaur was handed a suspended prison sentence.

Prosecuting, Elizabeth Browne said Kaur had stolen a total of £4,237.90 from the racecourse firm by processing refunds via her Smartwatch into her own account between May and September 2023.

Chester Race Company's HR department became aware and began a financial investigation into the missing monies.

Kaur was interviewed about the theft and answered 'no comment' in November 2023, but had since pleaded guilty.

The court heard the offence was aggravated by her three previous convictions for 12 offences, including for benefit fraud and possessing goods with a false trademark, the latter of which resulted in a suspended jail term.

Defending, Steven Alis said while Kaur did have some trusted responsibility, her role was slightly higher than a bartender.

A pre-sentence report had shown there was a recommendation with a community aspect.

District Judge Jack McGarva said the offence was made more serious by Kaur's record, but acknowledged from the pre-sentence report there was some mitigation in relation to Kaur's mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety.

Kaur was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

During those 12 months, she must complete up to 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay £2,000 compensation, a sum which was reduced as Kaur was still paying off old court costs.