A company boss is to sue a former employee who almost brought his company to its knees.

Thieving Selena Cronin pilfered thousands while working for Hand Media Ltd, based in Hunton, near Maidstone, between 2016 and 2017.

After being jailed for 19 months, officers began an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to try to recover some of the missing cash.

But Cronin, of Farley Close, Chatham, will only have to repay less than £2,000.

Boss David Rossiter was left fuming after a judge at Maidstone Crown Court heard how Cronin – who claims to now be working in retail – has assets of just £1,973.

She was convicted of taking £33,274 from the company after keeping secret she was given a police caution in 2014 for a £20,000 fraud of a previous employer.

Mr Rossiter, who attended the POCA hearing, said: “Had we known about this caution we would never have employed her.

“What she did brought us to our knees and at the most difficult time."

“She came to us via a recruitment agency.

“I feel very let down by the system and am determined this won’t be the end.

“I am now planning to sue her for the missing money and the interest.

“What she did brought us to our knees and at the most difficult time.

“My family had to put money into the company to ensure we didn’t go under.

“The POCA legislation was brought in to ensure people don’t get away with their crimes but I feel we have been let down by the system.

“Where else can you steal £33,000 and just pay back £1,973? It can’t be right.”

Cronin, 42, has been ordered to pay the money within three months or face going back to prison for two more months.

She left the 10-minute hearing without saying a word to Mr Rossiter who sat in the public gallery.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Catherine Moore told the thief: “You set out to destroy the business and when it was plain there was nothing left for you to take, you simply walked out the door taking the cash tin with you as you went.

“You completely destroyed his trust in you.”

“The impact on the business was profound.

“Mr Rossiter described a business that was taken to the brink of collapse by your selfish and considered actions.

“You completely destroyed his trust in you.”