Cashier accused of stealing over £160,000 over 12 years
A cashier at a chain of solicitors which was closed down by regulators has appeared in court accused of stealing more than £165,000 from the firm.
Pauline Sutcliffe, aged 57, worked as a cashier at Stables and Co solicitors which formerly had practices in Rowley Regis, Stourbridge and Halesowen.
Sutcliffe, of Wolverhampton Street, Oldbury, appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court yesterday charged with theft by employee.
The charge states Sutcliffe allegedly stole money totalling £165,745.60 from Stables and Co between January 1, 2000 and May 8, 2012.
She did not indicate a plea during the short hearing and the case was adjourned and committed to Wolverhampton Crown Court.
She was given unconditional bail to next appear on February 4.
Legal watchdog The Solicitors Regulation Authority launched a probe into Stables and Co after partners David Moore, Nigel Jordan and Jessica
Bird were all declared bankrupt last April and their practising certificates were then suspended by the SRA.
The SRA investigation could take up to two years to complete.
