A WOMAN who stole cash from a North-East special school was discovered when parents who had been sent arrears letters inundated staff with queries.

Heather Waterson, who worked at Durham Trinity School, appeared before Consett Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, September 25) to be sentenced after admitting the theft of £500.

The court heard the 40-year-old, Park Drive, Langley Park, had been in charge of collecting cash from parents for pupils’ dinner money and school trips.

She will now pay back the full amount as well as £85 in court costs.

Sarah O’Neill, prosecuting, said: “The headteacher said that concerns were raised about the dinner money and money handled by Heather Waterson and arrears that had come to light.

“There were concerns about Heather Waterson for erratic behaviour and smelling of drink, which she always dismissed.”

Magistrates were told Waterson is of previous good character and had worked at the school, which cares for students suffering from a range of special educational needs, since 2003.

Miss O’Neill said concerns were raised after arrears were noticed and letters were sent to parents who inundated the schools to find out what was going on.

She said Waterson took leave of absence, claiming her son was ill, which subsequently was found to be untrue.

Miss O’Neill said: “She initially said she had borrowed money from the school safe but said she had replaced it.

“She then said she had borrowed it to pay for shopping and forgotten to replace it. She agreed it was dishonest and a breach of trust.”

The money was taken between January 1 last year and March 7 and she was suspended following an investigation.

The court heard she tendered her resignation a week later.

Paul Donoghue, mitigating, said: “This woman has never been in trouble with the police before in her life. She has not deliberately contrived to produce a court case. If she could have avoided it she would have.

“She has got the money in cash and wants to pay it back and move on with her life.”