'Fraudster' jailed after stealing staff pensions

A woman has been jailed after stealing nearly £700,000 from the company she worked for and its staff pension schemes.

Gemma Phoenix, 44, of Hayton Avenue, Pocklington, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at Hull Crown Court last month.

Phoenix appeared at the same court on Monday, where she was sentenced to four years in prison.

PC Chelsea Walker, who led the investigation, said: "The impact of what [Phoenix] has done cannot be underestimated."

Phoenix was employed as a bookkeeper and director of a taxi firm between April 2023 and August 2024, Humberside Police said.

Officers said Phoenix was responsible for managing the business accounts and paying drivers and office staff.

The force said it received reports of staff pension contributions not being paid. An investigation found Phoenix had paid them into her own bank account.

The force discovered Phoenix had stolen about £693,965 from the business and had disguised the transactions under references such as "Pension" and "HMRC".

The investigation also found Phoenix had offered money to friends, claiming she had won it through gambling.

Walker said Phoenix had "betrayed" her colleagues and her actions meant the business was sold to recoup the losses.

"Phoenix is a business fraudster. She was hidden in plain sight and was considered a trusted member of the business," she said.

"Not only did Phoenix steal people's hard-earned cash, she also severely impacted their future financial security and stability, with no regard as to how this would affect them."

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