Bar manager stole $34,000

A 51-year-old woman has admitted stealing more than $34,000 from three bars at Burnham Military Camp near Christchurch, where she worked as a bar manager.

Susan Jane Barnes, who now lives in Hamilton, admitted 44 charges of theft as a servant when she appeared in Christchurch District Court yesterday. She had originally denied the charges.

Crown prosecutor Jane Farish said Barnes had worked at Burnham for seven years. A short time after being employed, she was promoted to bar manager of the Soldiers' Club, the Sportsman's Bar, and the Corporals' Club.

She stole by misrepresenting the bar finances and took a total of $34,894 while in a sole charge position, said Ms Farish.

She had no previous record of offending.

Judge Michael Crosbie remanded Barnes on bail for sentencing on February 24, and called for a reparation report and a pre-sentence report.

- NZPA