A social club treasurer addicted to gambling wept in the dock after learning she could face prison for stealing £15,000 from her employer.

Kelly Stevens’ campaign of deceit against the British Rail Social Club in Beaver Road, Ashford, came crashing down following an audit of accounts.

It revealed the 38-year-old mother siphoned off the cash between October 2017 and January 2018, and manipulated the ledger to cover her tracks.

Stevens, of Chartwell Road in Kingsnorth, Ashford, pleaded guilty to ‘theft by employer’ at Folkestone Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor James Nichols said the case’s severity meant sentencing would be heard at crown court, where judges have tougher powers.

“Mrs Stevens was in a position of trust, she was the treasurer, her job was taking and banking the social club’s money,” he told magistrates.

“An audit revealed she had been taking money for three months or so, this included Christmas funds, as well as some saved for maintenance.

“She deliberately changed the records, the theft put the social club back financially for five years.”

He added Stevens admitted in police interview she stole the money to fund a gambling addiction.

As the evidence was read out, Stevens, who was dressed in a suit, could be seen sobbing in the dock.

Mr Nicholls added a number of aggravating factors meant sentencing was above magistrates’ threshold.

The club's “substantial losses”, Stevens’ position of trust and the residual negative impact on the business were factored in.

Magistrates also heard the drained funds financially threw back the company by five years.

Mr Nicholls told the court last Wednesday how the sentencing for the crime carries a starting point of two years in custody.

Stevens was ordered to speak to probation for a pre-sentencing report, which will be heard at Canterbury Crown Court at a later date.

The British Rail Social Club continues to fundraise.

Its website advertised a sports and fun weekend which was held at the ground last weekend.

Darts, buffet, bowls, bingo and karaoke were expected to play out, alongside a children’s bouncy castle.