Former employee at Kibworth Medical Centre admits stealing over £184,000 from the surgery

A top member of staff “abused her position of trust” at a Harborough village medical centre as she systematically stole over £184,000 from the leading surgery, police said.

Kirsty Whawell, 40, admitted stealing the huge sum over six years from Kibworth Medical Centre, where she was a senior employee, at Leicester magistrates’ court yesterday (Monday).

She could now be jailed when she is sentenced for a string of serious fraud offences at Leicester Crown Court on Monday March 22 after she was given bail.

Whawell, of Kimberley Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, was caught out after an in-depth investigation by Leicestershire Police’s specialist economic crime unit lasting almost two years.

She was sacked by the South Leicestershire Medical Group’s medical centre based on Smeeton Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, after her crimes suddenly came to light two years ago.

Whawell has admitted fraud by false representation and six counts of fraud by abuse of position.

Today Det Con Neil Edwards, of Leicestershire Police’s economic crime unit, said: “This was a lengthy and complex investigation which first came to our attention in 2019.

“Whawell abused her position of trust in the medical centre for her own financial gain, believing that her crimes would never be uncovered.”

He stressed: “The evidence against her was overwhelming so she had no choice but to plead guilty to the offences.”

The force added: “Thank you to everyone who is following the Covid rules as it means that we can focus on dealing with criminals like this.”