A WOMAN has admitted fraud by abuse of her position at a dog welfare charity involving more than £5,000.
Adrianne Peltz (34), of Beatrice Road, Bangor, Co Down, admitted using a Dogs Trust credit card for personal expenditures.
She appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court yesterday where defence barrister Stephen Law said it was a guilty plea and a pre-sentence report was needed.
The defendant did not speak and stood near the public gallery during the short hearing.
Her lawyer said discussions had been ongoing relating to the exact amount of money involved and the figure had been "amended" to £5,393.
The charge relates to dates between April 10 and October 12, 2017.
The full details of the case have yet to be outlined. The matter was adjourned until September.
Ms Peltz was the charity's campaigns manager for Northern Ireland.
She is originally from South Africa but has lived in the north for several years. Her other leading roles included the student union sector. She is a trustee of Victim Support NI and has also been a media commentator.
Following yesterday's court proceedings, a Dogs Trust spokesperson said the charity relied on the generosity of the public to care for more than 15,000 dogs every year.
"It is of paramount importance to us that we use our funds in the best way possible, so the public has confidence that their donations are being spent wisely. Events such as this are rare for us and we take them very seriously. We have taken appropriate steps to recover the funds where possible, so that we can put them back into the vital work we do."
Victim Support NI said it was aware of the legal proceedings, which occurred prior to Ms Peltz's voluntary role with the organisation.
"The Board of Victim Support NI are aware of the situation and are taking appropriate steps in line with our code of conduct. We have no further comment to make at this time."
