A CHARITY supervisor stole nearly £13,000 after being put in charge of the books.

Alison Harmison, 35, spent the money on her car, her home and on herself, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Roy Mitchell said that Harmison was appointed administrative coordinator of Hartlepool People, a community resource centre.

Suspicion was aroused when the annual statements for the high interest account and the current account were made known.

Harmison, of Station Road, Greatham, Teesside, admitted she had misappropriated £7,500. She offered to pay it back and resigned.

Investigations disclosed she had used the centre's cheques to pay £7,888 off her mortgage, £4,249 to herself, and £577 on her car insurance, while £150 was missing from petty cash.

Paul Cleasby, defending, said Harmison had glowing testimonials for her charity work in the town, but found herself in financial difficulties.

Judge Peter Fox told her: "It was a breach of trust. You have come as close as anyone can without going through the prison door."

Harmison, pleaded guilty to nine offences of obtaining by deception and one theft. She was ordered to carry out 240 hours' community service work.