Boots PA stole thousands in expense fraud

The mother-of-one was sacked by Boots and her offences reported to police following an internal audit.

She had provided no comment in interview when she was arrested in 2024, the court heard.

Hall later pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and possession of a Class A drug, namely cocaine.

Sentencing her, Recorder James Dawson said: “You were in a position of trust and you abused that trust in a sophisticated way to fund your cocaine habit.”

He added Hall was “remorseful” for her actions and it was “to your credit” she had taken steps to address her drug addiction.

In mitigation, Sian Barber, said cocaine had become a “coping mechanism” for Hall’s poor mental health after her mother passed away.

Barber said Hall was “ashamed of her actions” and sorry for what she had done.

She added Hall had been drug-free for more than a year and had a “desire” to get back into work as soon as possible.