A Santander manager from Bicester, who raided the bank accounts of “mostly elderly and vulnerable customers” has been given a prison warning after admitting her £179,900 fraud.

Charlotte Mills, 33, of Titchener Close, Bicester, who a London court heard was responsible for a four-and-a-half-year swindle at the high street bank must wait to hear her fate.

Her case was adjourned for reports until May 21, but the judge told Mills: “This is a serious matter, and you are at risk of a custodial sentence.”

Mills pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of fraud by abuse of position between June 30, 2015 and December 1, 2019, namely dishonestly making dishonest withdrawals from customer accounts.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Lancaster told the court: “The loss to Santander was £179,900, that’s the loss.

“The fraudulent activity involved more by swapping and changing around customers’ accounts, but the Crown are not going to go behind that figure.”

Read also: Santander Bicester manager accused of raiding customer accounts

Judge Benedict Kelleher told Mills, who was on video link at her solicitors’ office said: “I’m sure you will have been advised this is a serious matter and you are at risk of a custodial sentence.”

Mills was bailed to attend court on May 21 on condition she continues residing at her Bicester address.

The sentencing range for the offence is three to six years imprisonment and Mr Lancaster added: “This is high culpability, bearing in mind the activity of the defendant and her position in the bank.”

Her lawyer, Mr Nadesh Karu, who successfully applied for a probation pre-sentence report said: “Ms Mills is of previous good character.” 

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