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Ex-Elgin Golf Club manager admits stealing £45k


By Ali Morrison

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Elgin Golf Club's former general manager has admitted embezzling more than £45,000 from its accounts.

Barbara-Anne Rumbles stood sobbing in the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court earlier today as the details of her dishonesty were read out.

The court heard members were shocked when they discovered the club had made a massive loss and immediately instructed an audit of their accounts.

That investigation revealed Rumbles, who had day-to-day responsibility for the club's running and finances, was transferring cash into her own bank account.

The 48-year-old was originally accused of embezzling £142,209.

But when she tendered a plea of guilty before Sheriff Ian Cruickshank, that figure had been substantially reduced to £45,841.

Fiscal depute Pauline Gair said: "Any orders over £3000 required the prior approval of the Captain.

"But ahead of the annual general meeting the club was surprised to learn that it had made a significant loss and instructed accountants to carry out an external audit."

Rumbles, who is also known as Bartlett according to court papers, initially worked for the club as an administrative manager.

The stealing began soon after she was appointed general manager in April 2016.

Mrs Gair said Rumbles took £7801 in 2016, followed by £764.40 in 2017.

The amounts then rose to £10,460 in 2018 and £26,814 in 2019.

Rumbles no longer lives in Moray, having moved to Coatbridge near Glasgow after her offences came to light.

Sheriff Cruickshank said he would defer sentencing until a background report had been compiled on her circumstances by social workers.

He also allowed her bail to continue until November 28 when she is due back in court.


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