A 48-year-old mom who stole more than ￡27,000 ($34,030) from a childrens’ sports fund to fuel her gambling addiction has walked free from court but received a suspended 16-month prison sentence.

Jennifer Morrison was a voluntary treasurer with rugby club Haydock Warriors between 2017 and 2022. During that time, Morrison was responsible for managing the club’s finances, paying bills, and buying equipment.

stealing a total of ￡27,353.45 ($34,475.88) throughout her four years in the role

However, Christopher Hopkins, prosecuting, said Morrison abused the club’s trust, stealing a total of ￡27,353.45 ($34,475.88) throughout her four years in the role. Hopkins stated that this money included payments into Morrison’s bank account and PayPal transfers to gambling websites.

It was only with the introduction of Stephen Howarth as club chairman that Morrison was found out. In 2019, when Howarth joined the club as a coach, he heard discussions about how the club had “no money.” Yet, when the issue of “subs not being paid” was resolved, the problem with money continued.

When Howarth was made chair and requested to see the accounts, Morrison made excuses delaying him from seeing them. Morrison gave him access a month later, which is when he discovered the fraudulent transactions.

When Howarth confronted Morrison, she said she “couldn’t discuss it due to her mental health.” She later admitted to the theft, stating she had a gambling addiction, and promised to pay the club back.

Morrison admitted theft in court on Sunday and received a 16-month imprisonment suspended for two years, 80 hours of unpaid work, and a rehabilitation activity requirement.