Jail for children's centre manager who stole from deprived youngsters

Jennifer Benson, 40, illegally cashed 48 cheques - amounting to 100,000 - from an account belonging to East Riding Children's Centre in Withernsea over four years.

The money was meant to improve the lives of parents and children aged under five in the resort, Hull Crown Court was told.

Following an investigation by auditors, she pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in a public office and to concealing criminal property, the court confirmed.

The court was told she was desperate to give her husband and grown-up daughter "everything they wanted" and spent the money on her family and a caravan.

She also used the money to improve her home in Owthorne Grange, Withernsea.

Benson was later sacked by the council.

Judge Rodney Jameson QC sentenced Benson to two years and four months in jail.

Following the case, a spokesman for East Riding Council said: "This former employee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council was dismissed following an investigation into fraudulent use of council funds.

"Her contract was terminated in November 2009. The council takes offences of this nature very seriously. When concerns came to light, the council's procedures to investigate allegations were followed and worked smoothly."