A treasurer has received a suspended prison sentence for embezzling more than £20,000 from two dog clubs to cover her living costs. Lisa Murch, 44, admitted to two charges of fraud by abuse of position at Truro Crown Court. The court heard that between March 2023 and October 2024, Murch transferred funds from both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club and the Cornwall Gun Dog Club, where she held the treasurer role.
Murch, a single mother of two, also misappropriated cash collected from various club events and raffles. The total amount stolen reached £20,409 before discrepancies in the club accounts were identified by officials. This sum was reportedly used for "day-to-day activities" rather than luxuries, with her defense barrister describing her situation as a "bare day-to-day existence" that escalated.
Her sentencing includes 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Murch has been ordered to pay £200 per month in compensation to the affected clubs over the next two years. However, prosecutor Pip Harper informed the court that Murch has only managed to repay £590 to date.
During the proceedings, defense barrister Matt Mortimer conveyed that Murch is currently without funds and expressed her deep shame and remorse for her actions. He emphasized that the stolen money was not used for extravagant purchases but for essential daily expenses, suggesting the situation had "snowballed" beyond her control.
