THE assistant manager of a Fife charity has been jailed after helping herself to £8,000 of the group’s money.

Sharon Mackintosh had committed an “almost identical” crime against another employer 12 years ago.

Mackintosh, 52, of Navitie Park, Ballingry, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

She admitted that on various occasions between May 14, 2020, and March 8, 2021, at various locations and banks in Fife, while operating in her employment of assistant manager at Express Group Fife Ltd, she carried out numerous cash withdrawals of funds belonging to Express Group into her own bank account, embezzling £8,000.

The charity was set up 45 years ago to help people with mental health problems and has weekly meetings throughout Fife.

Depute fiscal Amy Robertson said Mackintosh had been employed as assistant manager with the charity.

Mackintosh was seen a trusted employee responsible for paying bills and banking of funds.

When it was noticed money was missing, police were informed and it was found that Mackintosh had been transferring money into her own account.

Defence solicitor Aime Allan said her client had been facing difficulties in her life which led to her offending.

Sheriff James Macdonald jailed Mackintosh for six months.

He said it was a “significant breach of trust” by someone who had committed “an almost identical offence” 12 years ago.