Woman diagnosed with cancer stole $1m thinking she'd die before being caught

A woman in the UK who stole $1 million from her employers did so believing she'd never face the consequences because she'd recently been diagnosed with cancer.

And she thought she'd die before being brought to justice.

Kathryn Jones used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle, going on holidays to Mexico, Cuba and Tenerife, reports Metro.

She also spent big on luxury fashion and accessories, including Ray Ban sunglasses and Michael Kors handbags.

Jones, 50, also splashed out on a silver Audi.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

During a recent court appearance, Jones' lawyer Jon Close claimed she took the money because she "did not think she would be here".

"She had made three suicide attempts between October 2016 and April 2017," Close said.

The court heard Jones took the money while working at MGS Technical Plastics Limited, in Lancashire, between January 2011 and November 2016 - leaving the company in dire straits.

She was an administration assistant in charge of paying wages to staff, with responsibility for the company’s internet banking.

Prosecutors say Jones paid herself sums of money, including $31,000.

Prosecutor Paul Cummings said: "Jones had a trusted position in the company.

"There were four bank accounts used in her name when she took the money."

Another employee, Beryl Ann Shore, was also charged after Jones gave her an initial loan of $880 before sending additional funds, adding up to $324,000.

Jones pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 28 months and ordered to pay the statutory victim surcharge.

The company had to pay $176,000 in legal fees but its managing director, John Sturgess, says he's pleased with the outcome.

"We are glad that they had to face up to their greed, lies and deceit," Sturgess said.

"It was a complete breach of trust and they had no regard whatsoever for the impact on colleagues."

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