A NELSON woman who diverted payments to her employer into her own bank account has been jailed for six months.

Blackburn magistrates heard Carol Jane Hart was working for a Manchester solicitor when she stole £7,356 which was payment for work done by the firm.

Hart, 42, of Cloverhill Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to theft from TPF Solicitors.

She was jailed for six months and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge and £7,356 compensation.

Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said Hart was working as a claims handler and her duties involved contacting clients who were due to pay money to the firm.

"She gave some of them her own bank details and the money was paid straight into her account," said Mr Hollamby.

"It went on for 14 months and various sums were debited to a number of different individuals.

"The head of the firm says it has caused him considerable professional embarrassment. He has had to report the matter to the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and it has had a significant impact on him."

Phil Turner, defending, said his client had worked for the firm for 14 months but said the offences were committed over a much shorter period.

"She says she was bringing in fees of £36,000 a month and the firm is out of pocket to the tune of £7,356," said Mr Turner.

"I am not sure that would have a massive impact given the volume of funds being brought in by my client."

Mr Turner said Hart had been promised a salary to £20,000 and a bonus scheme which never materialised.

Her salary was reduced to £16,000 to pay the agency which had recruited her.

"As a result she suffered severe financial difficulties," said Mr Turner. "There is no suggestion she lived a lavish lifestyle, indeed some weeks it was a struggle to put food on the table."