Jailed: Accounts Manager Who Nicked £300K From Computer Company

A computer company accounts manager, who splurged over £300,000 she defrauded from her employer on a spending spree – including thousands at TK Maxx – is starting a prison sentence of two years and eight months.

Madelaine Ager, 50, created fictitious invoices and was responsible for seventy-four cash transfers into her own bank account while employed by Brooklands Computer Services, of Kent House, Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam.

Single mum Ager, of West Hill Court, Court Lane, Epsom pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between June 5, 2018 and March 6, 2020.

Inner London Crown Court heard she was employed as a £31,000-a year accounts manager and was responsible for paying the company's bills as well as other financial administration.

Without warning Ager suddenly failed to turn up for work on March 2, 2020 and when he brother visited her home a large amount of “luxury goods” were discovered at the address.

The company calculated she defrauded them of £308,725.15p.

Ager spent approximately £87,000 via PayPal and £48,000 at TK Maxx and another £28,000 in cash was identified.

When confronted she suggested co-workers also enjoyed access to the company accounts, resulting in two employees being questioned by the police.

The court was told Ager has a history of mental health difficulties and drug addiction, plus a former marriage that involved domestic violence.

When the police visited her home they found a “vast amount” of unopened goods Ager had purchased.

The first-time offender, who has a 16 year-old son, was also living in temporary accommodation.