An NHS manager in Scotland has admitted to stealing over £8,000 from doctors who were staying overnight at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. Jacqueline Robertson, a cleaning manager at the hospital, used the money to fuel her gambling addiction, which had spiraled out of control. The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to embezzling the funds over an 11-month period in 2018.
According to prosecutor Peter Finnon, Robertson’s role involved collecting payments from doctors staying overnight and ensuring they were securely stored. The scam was uncovered when it was discovered that the cash meant for hospital residency payments had not been processed. Robertson confessed to her actions when questioned by police.
Robertson’s defense lawyer, James McMacken, explained that her gambling habit began just before the embezzlement started, leading her into financial trouble. McMacken stated that Robertson deeply regrets her actions and is remorseful for the situation. Despite having no prior criminal record, Robertson faces serious charges, and sentencing has been postponed for further assessments.
The court has deferred the sentencing to a later date to allow for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment to be conducted.
