A WOMAN who defrauded various charities of over half a million pounds, including K9 Crusaders based in Bissoe, has been sent to prison for six years.

Katrina Jones aged 52 from Sheffield, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to a string of fraud charges relating to incidents in Cornwall, South Wales and Cumbria.

Following her arrest in December 2014, Jones was charged with a further 29 separate offences of theft and fraud in excess of £500,000.

Jones defrauded the K9 Crusaders charity based in Bissoe, Truro whilst acting as the charities treasurer, diverting charity money to herself to fund her gambling.

Investigative Officer Detective Constable Dave Skelton said: “Police would like to reassure supporters of the K9 Crusaders charity that their finances are now secure and that any future donations made are protected.

“K9 crusaders received a significant donation which was aimed to fund the redevelopment of their premises. However, Jones diverted a substantial amount of this money to fund her own gambling and lifestyle, this resulted in significant financial hardship for the charity as they struggled to meet their financial commitments.

“We are pleased with the outcome and sentence given to Jones, and we hope this shows that we take this type of crime very seriously and will endeavour to prosecute offenders and those who take advantage of their positions, like Jones did in her role as a treasurer for a local charity.”