Travel agent pocketed currency exchange cash

A trusted manager at a travel agency illegally pocketed more than £82,000 after taking home money she was supposed to bank from the currency exchange, a court has been told.

Sally Lane, of Pelsall, was responsible for banking cash from Bowen Travel Group's currency exchange. But the 39-year-old instead pocketed the money exchanged for foreign currency by holiday-makers at the company's branch in Aldridge.

She has now been warned she faces a custodial sentence for taking the money over a period of more than two years when she is sentenced later this month.

Lane, of Fordbrook Lane, Pelsall, has admitted a charge of theft.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that in total she pocketed £82,700 between October 2008 and January this year.

Crown Prosecution Service spokesman Patrick Noonan told the court: "She was a manager at a travel agents for the Bowen Travel Group.

"One of her responsibilities was banking the cash from the currency exchange which the travel agents operated.

"Over a period of years she simply took the cash instead of banking it."

Lane, who worked at the company's Croft Parade store in Aldridge, wore a long-sleeved blue top and black trousers when she appeared before Judge Martin Walsh court yesterday.

During her appearance she spoke only to confirm her name and to plead guilty to the charge of theft.

The case was adjourned for a report to be prepared before she is sentenced.

Judge Walsh said prison would be one of the options considered.

He told her: "You understand custody is a favourable option to the court here."

Lane was given unconditional bail and will be sentenced at the same court on September 21.