A Ramsey shop assistant has admitted helping herself to £1,426 while working at JAC Stores.

Natalie Smith processed fake refunds to herself for various goods in December last year.

The 33-year-old admitted four counts of fraud by false representation and will be sentenced on December 14 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court how Smith, who lives at Gibbs Grove, was working as a sales assistant at JAC Stores in Ramsey on December 12 last year.

She made a total of 23 transactions on the cash till which were false refunds and resulted in her either taking cash or putting the refund onto her own credit card.

Transactions processed included £84.99 for a baby monitor on December 12, £54.98 for a slow cooker on December 16, £199.99 for a dehumidifier on December 21, and £89.99 for a vacuum cleaner on December 28.

Those four items named were said to be specimen charges while the total theft involved 23 transactions with an overall value of £1,426.79.

CCTV footage was viewed and confirmed the offences.

Smith’s financial records also showed some refunds going to her account.

Ms Carroon submitted that the case was suitable to remain in summary court for sentencing.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers asked for a probation report to be prepared and said that his client would like to be given the opportunity to repay some of the money before sentencing.

Smith was said to have a previous conviction for a dishonesty offence.

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith accepted summary court jurisdiction for sentencing and ordered that the probation report consider all sentencing options, including custody.

Bail was granted.