Worker jailed for $90,000 theft

MARGUERITE Louise Goodger stole so much money from ET’s Steel and Fencing that she sent the business broke and caused 17 workers to lose their jobs.

The 58-year-old was employed as a bookkeeper by the Rockhampton company.

But she abused that trust when she was caught stealing more than $90,000.

She was given access to business accounts and the passwords to operate the accounts.

With that trust she bled the company dry.

On Friday she was jailed for four and a half years.

During 2006 and 2007 Goodger completed more than 90 transactions, draining money from the fencing business.

By December in 2007 she had stolen a total of $94,744.46.

The money she stole contributed to the business becoming insolvent and all 17 employees lost their jobs.

On Friday Goodger pleaded guilty in Rockhampton District Court to fraud as an employee.

Judge Nicholas Samios sentenced her to four and a half years in prison.

Judge Samios told the court Goodger had previously been convicted of stealing as a servant and also sent to jail for fraud.

“Your offending was over a long period of time,” he said.

He took into account that she was abusing the trust of the business and stole a large sum.

“It contributed to the downfall of the business and other people’s employment.”

“I’ve read your psychiatrist report, which clearly shows you have unresolved psychological disorders that need to be treated. I consider they will be appropriately treated in the corrective services environment.”

He said Goodger was remorseful and had unresolved conditions from her “sad and unfortunate” background.

He set a parole eligibility date of March 11, 2011.

Goodger will spend at least 18 months in prison before she will be eligible for release.