A WOMAN accused of stealing thousands of pounds worth of cash from her employers has appeared in court three months after the case against her was discharged.
Former Brighouse resident Caroline Ashford was before magistrates in Huddersfield yesterday facing 10 allegations of fraud worth £50,000.
She appeared in the Huddersfield court for the first time since the case against her was discharged last November.
At the time the court was told that the case – which relates to her time working for Aspley-based firm Shaw and Lisle – could not go ahead.
This was because all the relevant paperwork wasn’t ready in time.
However Ashford appeared again before the court after the Crown Prosecution Service was able to reinstate the case.
The 48-year-old faces nine allegations of fraud by false representation dated between August 29, 2008 and November 30, 2010.
She faces a further allegation of false accounting by altering payroll records.
Carole Lawford, prosecuting, said that Ashford worked as a wages clerk and was a trusted member of Shaw and Lisle.
The company, based on the Shaw Business Park, specialises in producing high-quality sandwiches, with clients including NHS hospitals.
Ashford gave no indication as to what her plea is likely to be.
Magistrates agreed that the case was not suitable to be dealt with by the court.
They committed Ashford, now of Ash Road in Leeds, to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court.
Her first appearance there will be on March 26.
