Cricket club cash cheat ducks jail

A FORMER treasurer who admitted fraud and theft of more than £17,000 from Moorside Cricket Club has escaped jail.

Julie Nickerson, of Causewood Close, Moorside, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

The 55-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and three counts of theft by an employee when she appeared before Oldham magistrates. She also asked for a further 24 offences to be taken into consideration.

Nickerson wrote cheques out to herself and stole money from Moorside Cricket and Bowling Club funds during her time as treasurer from 2006-08.

The fraud and theft only came to light when a new chairman joined the club, in Turf Pit Lane, and launched an investigation into where the money had gone. The court heard that Nickerson, who is of previous good character, has since paid back £19,500 to the club.