Former treasurer confesses to stealing gala cash

Mar 2 2012 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

VILLAGE fundraisers have been praised for their hard work this week after the full story of their missing money saga was revealed.

Councillor John McGhee commended Kilmaurs Gala Committee for the way they have picked up the pieces after their accounts were raided by a former treasurer.

Disgraced Rhona Gallacher, 34, has confessed all this week in a series of articles in the Daily Record.

She has admitted to stealing £5000 from the gala fund as well as thousands more from Lloyds TSB customers, while she worked for the bank.

The former bank manager, who said she stole to pay off debts of £60,000, pleaded: “I just want punished for what I have done – and for it all to be over.

“I’m happy to help the police as much as I can to trace the people I have stolen from so I can put an end to their suffering.

“I am deeply ashamed of what I have done.”

Councillor John McGhee, who stays in Kilmaurs, said: “Since it emerged that money was missing from the gala accounts, the committee have been brilliant.

“They have held a psychic night, raising £1500, which will go towards making sure we have a gala this year. The committee deserve every praise for putting this letdown behind them and moving on.

“As far as Rhona is concerned it came as a huge shock to me and to those closest to her that she is responsible for all that she is saying she has done.

“But as a community we are moving on and we are determined this year’s gala will be as successful as previous events.”

Strathclyde Police confirmed an investigation was underway, but no arrests had been made.