Assistant Boss Of Kids Centre Nicked Thousands

The assistant manager of a centre for children with learning difficulties, who defrauded thousands of pounds from the organisation, has escaped jail with a suspended sentence.

Beatrix Costa, 36, of Eleanor Court, Gillingham, Kent was employed by the Stockwell Community Resource Centre in south London.

The Studley Road centre runs weekly workshops for children with special needs, specifically targeting autism.

Costa was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court (pictured) to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 240 hours community service work and obey a night time curfew for four months.

She originally appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court charged with three counts of fraud by abuse of position between April 1, 2009 and September 7, 2011 in relation to £10,264, £12,104 and £3,000.