Appeal against jail term dismissed

Niece stole more than £33k from uncle's law firm

A mother of two jailed for stealing more than £33,000 from her uncle's law firm has failed to have her sentence reduced.

Thirty-two year-old Fenella Carter of Peel was last month sent to prison for 20 months, after admitting the offence.

Ms Carter’s advocate argued the term was ‘manifestly excessive’ and should be reduced due to the fact she had repaid it all back, was of good character and was the main carer of two young children.

However, the appeal court heard the offences constituted a ‘substantial breach of trust’ and custody was inevitable for offending on that scale.

The appeal judges said the sentence would hopefully serve as a warning to others who are in positions of trust and may be tempted to steal from their employers.