A trusted estate agent worker who nicked more than £66,000 from her employer in a shocking breach of trust has dodged jail. Frances Leach was employed by Signature North East's letting division, based in Tynemouth, where she was responsible for managing properties.

In November 2023, the firm's managing director, Mark Small, noticed a significant drop in profits. He queried Leach about it and she offered an excuse, prompting him to request a report.

When she failed to deliver, which was out of character as she was typically efficient, he grew suspicious and quietly began his own investigation. This uncovered a hidden tab on a spreadsheet showing unexplained refunds totalling over £57,000 within a six-month period, a figure that would usually be around £2,000.

Mr Small then discovered the

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