Northern Ireland

Dogs Trust employee Adrianne Peltz who admitted fraud resigns from Stormont group

Adrianne Peltz is a trustee of Victims Support NI and a regular contributor on BBC Northern Ireland,
Adrianne Peltz is a trustee of Victims Support NI and a regular contributor on BBC Northern Ireland, Adrianne Peltz is a trustee of Victims Support NI and a regular contributor on BBC Northern Ireland,

A Co Down woman who admitted abusing her position at a dog welfare charity to defraud it of more than £5,000 has resigned from an organisation providing support to Stormont politicians.

Adrianne Peltz (34) of Beatrice Road, Bangor, pleaded guilty on Thursday to using a Dogs Trust credit card for personal expenditures.

The offences took place between April and October 2017.

Ms Peltz is a trustee of Victims Support NI, a regular contributor on BBC Northern Ireland, and has acted as a spokeswoman for the regional arm of Amnesty International.

She was until this week regional co-ordinator of Politics Plus, an organisation which according to its website, has "the objective of enhancing the capacity of Members of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and representatives of political parties". 

However, Politics Plus has confirmed that Ms Peltz, who is originally from South Africa, resigned on the eve of her court appearance.

Victim Support NI said in a statement that the offences took place before the defendant began her voluntary role.

"The board of Victim Support NI are aware of the situation and are taking appropriate steps in line with our code of conduct," the statement said

The full details of the case, which was adjourned by Ballymena Magistrates Court until next month, have yet to be outlined.