Former Newstead Athletics Club secretary Catherine Faye Phillips received a two-year suspended sentence for stealing from the organisation.
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Ms Phillips, 56, previously of Youngtown, appeared before Magistrate Simon Brown at Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday morning accused of 29 counts of misappropriating funds totaling $32,373.33 between December 14, 2009, and July 25, 2014.
She pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing $3190 in June 2010 and $5742.19 in January 2013, with the remaining 27 counts dismissed due to no evidence.
Her ex-husband, Simon Brewer Phillips, 59, of Launceston, was accused of nine counts of stealing $18,365.33 by misappropriation between March 1, 2010, and November 13, 2013, but all of these charges were dismissed on Monday due to no evidence.
The court heard a cheque for $3190 was made out to Flight Centre to pay for a flight to Copenhagen for the Phillips’ son to compete in an orienteering event and a 2013 cheque for $5742.19 was paid to Capital Finance to pay off Simon Phillips’ car loan.
Ms Phillips will pay back $8932.19 to Newstead Athletics Club by compensation agreement.
Now living in Melbourne, Ms Phillips was involved with the athletics club, formerly known as Newstead Harrier Club, as its secretary for 30 years before resigning her position in 2014.
While her official title was secretary, Ms Phillips took on the role of running the organisation, with help from Mr Phillips.
Very few committee meetings were held and incomplete records kept during this time, the court heard.
Ms Phillips also acted at the club's treasurer, managing the club’s money and writing cheques, often acting as the sole signatory.
The club received a bequest of $113,072.28 in 2008 when a life member died, leaving the club less reliant on fundraising, membership fees and entry fees.
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