A woman has been accused of stealing nearly £200,000 from the school where she worked.

Ghislain Sharron Smithson, of Sandybeck Way, Cockermouth faced a charge of stealing £187,599 from Keswick School when she appeared at Workington Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard the 51-year-old had worked as finance manager at the school from 2008 to 2018. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2014 and 2018.

It is alleged that Smithson used the school bank account to pay for holidays and had used “fake voices” when making payments.

She is also accused of using the school’s credit card for personal use and to book rooms at the Premier Inn without the school’s permission.

Due to the seriousness of the offence Smithson will appear at Carlisle Crown Court on November 25 and has been placed on unconditional bail until then.