A COUNCIL worker who admitted dishonestly abusing her position was ordered to repay almost £900.

Dawn Pickles, 63, of New Close, Eskdale, appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

Pickles pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened while she was working as a clerk for Eskdale Parish Council between April 2016 and April 2019.

However she denied intentionally defrauding the council of the cash and said the money was missing due to mistakes she had made.

Pam Fee, prosecuting, told District Judge Gerald Chalk part of Pickles job was to make payments, including for her own salary.

Ms Fee said: “The council became aware of substantial payments made to her account without any evidence of expense.”

She added that Pickles had written a cheque to the authority after she was challenged by a councillor as to why she had paid herself twice.

During a police interview, Pickles told officers that she started working for the parish council 13 years ago and her role was supposed to be for two hours a week, but she was then given more responsibility.

Ms Fee said: “She says there was no contract put in place and they refused pay rises.”

She added Pickles was unaware the council had been fined because no external audit had been conducted.

Ms Fee said that police had given Pickles a conditional caution with the condition being she pays back the £888.39 she owes to Eskdale Parish Council, which she had made some attempts to do.

Pickles, who was representing herself, said that she had an accident outside Whitehaven police station, but despite this she made sure a cheque was posted by her nurse. However this was not received.

She said: “I never intentionally defrauded the council or the tax payer.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure that the money was right, therefore I pleaded guilty.”

Judge Chalk said: “By you plea you acknowledge that you knowingly have been dishonest and fraudulent and if you haven’t you shouldn’t plead guilty.”

But Pickles said she wanted the matter to be dealt with and that she had to move home because of this.

Judge Chalk said an offence of this type, concerning someone in a position of trust with financial responsibility, would normally attract a much heavier sentence. “However it was deemed appropriate to give you a conditional caution and you appear to have tried your best to make good to your offer. I’m going to be rather generous with you.” he said.

Pickles was handed a £100 fine and ordered to repay £888.39 to Eskdale Parish Council, as well £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

She must pay the full amount within 28 days.