A DEVIZES doctor's practice, which was left more than £90,000 worse off after thieving surgery manager Carolanne Spence was ordered to pay back just £100, has explained the devastating affect on staff.

Dr Nicholas Swale compiled a business impact statement for Swindon Crown Court to outline the consequences of the actions of Spence who is likely to released from jail this week.

In it he said: "After the crime had started, but prior to the crime being identified, partners took a reduction in pay which continues. Staff pay rises have been smaller than would have been otherwise.

"Unauthorised pay rises, and unauthorised future pay rise promises, given to some staff. This created an atmosphere of inequality amongst the staff.

"Staff had to be informed that unauthorised future pay rises could not be honoured. This was very disappointing for some staff. Some staff considered seeking new employment.

"If the crime had not occurred, building projects (improvement and extension to the building) could have started earlier. In addition, partners have now had to personally finance some of the building costs.

"A significant proportion of the money lost as a result of the crime would have been spent on improving services for patients."

He also said there had been loss of reputation and an enormous emotional impact on staff who had considered Spence to be their friend.

He wrote: "Some of them have lost confidence in their own judgement, and have spent long hours worrying about whether they should/could have done anything to prevent or identify the crimes earlier."

He finished by saying that the surgery had managed to survive and avoid patient care being compromised by a large amount of additional hard work but said: "It has been extremely difficult and stressful."

Spence of Dummer Way, Chippenham, was jailed for 20 months in November but at a hearing at Swindon Crown Court last week she would only have to pay back a nominal figure of £100.

At the hearing Cathy Thornton, defending, said: "It is regrettable her realisable property is some handbags and shoes that have been valued at £100."

She said her client could be freed on home detention curfew on April 23 meaning she will serve just over a quarter of the sentence behind bars.