Sin Bin: Bookkeeper admits £60,000 embezzlement

On the third day of her trial before a jury at Dundee Sheriff Court, Catherine Bryceland admitting taking the money from city firm Raymond Gloag Painters and Decorators over an 18-month period between July 2007 and December 2008.

Bryceland, 50, of Wellgrove Street, Dundee, had previously denied embezzling £192,000 from the firm.

But the Crown accepted her guilty plea to a £60,000 embezzlement.

The trial heard that company owner Raymond Gloag was left “hurt” when the fraud carried out by an employee who had worked for him for a decade came to light.

Fiscal depute Donna Brown told the court that Bryceland left the firm in 2010.

She said: “The accused was employed as a bookkeeper for around 10 years at the company.

“She transferred money to her own bank accounts.

“The amateur nature of the embezzlement came to light when new accountants looked at records and when her bank accounts were examined later.”

Ms Brown said that Bryceland made cheques payable to herself and that Mr Gloag would sign his name to blank cheques.

She said: “The £60,000 was used to buy cars, holidays and jewellery.

“To date no money has been repaid.”

Sheriff Michael Fletcher was told there was no prospect of Bryceland repaying the money.

He deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and released Bryceland on bail.