A finance assistant at a Northumberland veterinary practice amended client invoices to make more than 37,000 in fraudulent pet insurance claims.
Helen Pearse had been employed Robson and Prescott Vets, which has branches in areas including Morpeth, Alnwick, Blyth, Ashington and Bedlington, since 2016 and was a trusted member of staff. However, in January 2018 she began adding her own name to client invoices and making false claims on pet insurance policies, a court heard.
In total, the 33-year-old pocketed more than 37,000 from the fake claims over a four-year period, prosecutors said. However, her deceit was finally uncovered when one of the insurance companies made a query relating to a dog with the veterinary practice and Pearse's lies began to unravel.
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Pearse, of Hawthorn Road, in Widdrington, Northumberland, now faces a possible prison sentence after she pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by abuse of position at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court. She appeared in the dock this week to enter the pleas.
Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said Pearse made six fraudulent claims to pet insurance companies between January 20 2018 and April 12 2022. He added: "The Crown would invite you to commit this case to the crown court or sentence.
"It's six allegations of fraud causing a loss in excess of 37,000. The defendant started employment with Robson and Prescott in October...
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