Ex-Jewson PA bailed amid £17,000 expenses fraud claims

A former PA at builders merchant Jewson has been bailed by Blackpool magistrates following claims that she falsely claimed up to £17,620 in expenses.

Victoria Shaw, 28, of Moorfield Grove, Bolton, faces eight charges of fraud between June 2007 and December 2007.

She worked for a regional director in the company's St Annes office in Lancashire.

The case will now be heard in Preston Crown Court next month.

The incident comes just months after news that former sales director Tony Newman was arrested in connection with a £1m fraud at the company. But Jewson stressed that the allegations against Shaw are not related to that case.

In a statement a Jewson spokesman said: "Following an internal audit, we can confirm that Victoria Shaw was dismissed from her role as a PA within a regional office earlier this year as a result of an expenses fraud committed by her. The matter was passed to the police who conducted a detailed investigation with our full cooperation and support.

"Formal charges have subsequently been brought against Mrs Shaw on eight counts of fraud which will be heard in Preston Crown Court on 28th August 2008. Concurrently, through civil action the Company has made a full recovery of its loss.

"Jewson is an organisation that is governed by very strong business controls and principles of conduct. This incident sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate any behaviour that does not meet these rigorous standards.

"We are unable to comment further at this time."