A woman who took more than $10,000 from her employer has been given a conditional discharge.

Paulette Smith, 62, admitted intent to defraud and appeared at Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner heard the company, where she had worked for 25 years, lost $10,178.88.

The fraud was said to have taken place between May and July 2012.

Defence lawyer Dante Williams said she had submitted a guilty plea early, which highlighted her remorse.

He said there were mitigating circumstances that may involve a family member and that she was eager to repay the money.

Mr Williams said she had raised $4,800 in reparations so far.

Kenneth Bascome, MP for St George’s North, spoke on behalf of the defendant as a character witness.

Mr Warner described Mr Bascome, whose wife passed away on Tuesday, as “a strong man to come here today to speak on behalf of someone else given your personal circumstances”.

“This court extends its condolences to you and your family,” he added.

Mr Bascome described the defendant as an “upstanding and trustworthy person”.

“I would ask that you consider restitution,” he said. “I will personally take responsibility to see that the monies are repaid.”

Mr Warner imposed a conditional discharge and said Smith should pay the $4,800 raised immediately, with the remaining $5378.88 owed over a two-year period.

“A conviction, especially at her age, would be disproportionate and serves no useful purpose,” he said.

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