A SOUTHAMPTON woman will spend Christmas behind bars after her stealing meant fellow workers lost a much-needed £1,000 bonus.

Financial controller Beverley Ford stole more than £60,000 using her knowledge of the computer system and PIN number to transfer money into her and her son's bank accounts.

The city crown court heard that following a shake-up of clothing firm Miller Rayner, Ford was invited to re-apply for her job but refused and left.

An investigation later revealed the transfer of £1,200 from the firm's accounts into her account and that alerted the managing director to discover other discrepancies.

The court was told that the thefts of cash meant the company - based in Marsh Lane at the City Commerce Centre in Southampton - had been unable to pay a bonus to its staff.

Ford, 46, of Longleat Gardens, Portswood, pleaded guilty at the city crown court to ten charges of theft from Miller Rayner Ltd and asked for another 20 offences to be considered.

Philip Romans, defending, said Ford was sorry, not just for herself but also for her fellow employees at the company who had suffered from her dishonesty.

"Her reason for leaving was not one of running away or trying to hide but because she felt she wasn't qualified for the job and was in over her head.

"She committed the offences because she felt she ought to provide better for her son.

"She was not living a high life. The bulk of the money was an attempt to provide for and pull back her son closer to her."

Mr Romans said her partner could repay the cash within 12 months by selling shares and property, and urged the court to pass a community rehabilitation order.

But Judge Christopher Leigh QC jailed her for 12 months, saying she had systematically, deliberately and repeatedly abused her position of trust.

Miller Rayner Ltd's managing director John Ford, who is no relation to Beverley Ford, refused to comment on the case.

No other staff members would talk about the situation either.