A FORMER senior finance officer at Southend Council is facing a prison sentence after defrauding the authority out of almost £44,000.

Sharon Whitehorn, 47, of Westborough Road, Westcliff, admitted fraud and abuse of position over a period of nearly five years.

She falsely requested bank transfers of £39,855 to be paid into her personal account and attempted to transfer a further £4,000, which was declined.

The fraud took place between February 2010 and December 2014.

Whitehorn also admitted laundering £7,581 into her solicitor’s bank account in order to fund the deposit for a home, in breach of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

She appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, where she admitted both charges.

The court heard Whitehorn had attempted an overdose after her previous court appearance and was keen to be sentenced as soon as possible.

Matthew Bagnall, mitigating, said: “She knows full well she is likely to lose her liberty in respect of these offences and she is ready to face the music.

“She made a serious attempt on her life by overdosing on sleeping tablets.

“That perhaps is an indication of the level of remorse she feels.”

The fraud charges against Whitehorn state that she was expected to safeguard, rather than act against, the council’s financial interest in her role as a senior finance officer.

The hearing was adjourned to allow pre-sentence reports.

Judge John Lodge said: “A lengthy custodial sentence is almost inevitable in this case.

“The fact I am granting bail is no indication of what I or any other judge will do.”

After the hearing, council leader Ron Woodley said: “A former employee of Southend Council appeared in court charged with a number of offences.

“This followed a highly professional, thorough and swift investigation by our counterfraud directorate and Human Resouces team, which was a result of the immediate action taken by the relevant finance team when a concern was raised.

“We now await the sentencing, after which we will be able to makeafuller and more detailed statement.”

It is understood the council will attempt to use Proceeds of Crime Act legislation to recover the money.

Whitehorn was granted bail to appear at Basildon Crown Court for sentencing in the week beginning April 20.