A WOMAN who plundered tens of thousands of pounds from the company which she 'ran' has walked free from court.

Margaret Way abused her position at a sign writing firm to siphon cash into her own account because she didn't think she was being paid enough.

But despite the 68-year-old stealing from work for more than eight-and-a-half years a judge decided not to jail her after hearing she could repay half of what she took.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting told Swindon Crown Court Way had first been employed by ASF Signs in Royal Wootton Bassett in the 1980s, returning in 2001.

"Her role was that of company secretary. The director, Grant Larkings, said she had a key role in running the company, running the office," she said.

But colleague Louise Chivers became suspicious of various transactions in the ledger where all payments in and out were recorded.

"What Margaret Way was doing was put a company name in with an amount and paying the cheque to herself. This happened on numerous occasions, " Miss Squire said.

"It was not the only way money was being taken from the firm. She was also buying items for herself with company money. A DVD player, a laptop.

"Also in addition to that there are unauthorised withdrawals from the cash point using the company card."

Miss Squire said the final way she stole was when money which should have gone through the manager was diverted to her own account.

She said that although the firm thought much more was taken between the start of 2006 and July last year the prosecution accepted her version, which put it at £20,200.

"It was all small amounts over a period of time but they have added up. The Crown has accepted the figure put forward by the defence," said Miss Squire.

After an internal inquiry Way was offered the opportunity to repay what she had taken but when nothing was forthcoming the police were called.

In a victim personal statement Mr Larkings said: "I have always regarded myself to be a sign maker and trusts others to run the company around me. Margaret handled the financial affairs. I consider that to be a privileged position.

"By stealing from my company Margaret totally abused my trust over a period of time. If Margaret felt she was not paid enough she should have said so."

Way, of Pound Close, Lyneham, pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

Mike Pulsford, defending, said: "I think for both sides this is a very sad episode. My client is a lady of 68 years of age who for months now has been very anxious about how these proceedings will unfold.

"She was a lady who was loyal to the company. She has provided very detailed instructions as to how this company changed hands."

He said she ensured previous owners paid back what they owed the firm and then had so many roles in the company 'she was running it'.

But he said Way had only been employed on a part-time basis and was doing far more hours and she decided to pay herself more.

He said she was now very remorseful for what she had done but is also keen to point out she felt entitled to some of the money.

Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "I take the view that not only is this a gross breach of trust on your part but it seems to me you never once stopped to think of the effect your dishonesty was having on this company and the hard working individuals that work there and regarded you as a friend as well."

He imposed an eight-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work and gave her 28 days to hand over £10,000.