Lesley Adamson jailed for three years for stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds from her employers

Lesley Adamson, 43, of Mentmore Road, Rochdale has been jailed for three years for stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds from her employers - and giving it away to family and friends.

Over a six year period, Adamson diverted 177 cheques worth over £350,000 that had been issued by bosses at Reich Insurance, a brokers firm based in Shaw, so that she could help loved ones with cash.

In total she stole £365,486 between 2007 and 2013 and has been described as a “Robin Hood” type figure.

In a hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the court heard that whilst she did spend some of the money on herself and on ‘debts and home improvements’, she lived a modest lifestyle in a ‘two up, two down’ in Rochdale.

She was arrested after her bank realised one of the cheques had been doctored and after her arrest she revealed that she gave the money away because it made her feel good.

Adamson admitted 12 fraud charges and theft and was described by friends and relatives as a “caring” and “helpful person” who “doesn’t have a bad bone in her body”.

The court also heard that Adamson had previously been jailed for six months in relation to the same case. This was because while her accounts were frozen by a court order, she spent a PPI pay out she had received.

It currently remains unclear how much of the stolen money was lost to ordinary property and personal insurance clients who never received cheques they were due.

Simon Blakebrough defending Adamson said she turned to crime after the end of a ‘difficult relationship’ left her in debt. It is understood that after she doctored the first cheque, she expected to be found out and was surprised when she wasn’t.

Her house has since been sold.

Adamson had been working for Reich Insurance for 17 years as an accounts administrator and credit controller when she was found out.