A FORMER hospice manager stole inheritance money meant for the hospice where she had worked.  

Andrea Garrick, 54, took £115,000 from the will of a 70-year-old for which she was the sole executor.

The money was meant for St Michael's Hospice, St Leonards, where Ms Garrick worked in a senior managment role from 1998 until 2013.

She left the role in July 2013, one month before the hospice reported to police a significant shortfall in the expected legacy from Nola Hamer, of Pevensey.

Today (Monday) Garrick, of Main Road, Icklesham, was jailed at Lewes Crown Court for two years after pleading guilty in October to fraud and money laundering.

Authorities are due to try and recover the sum she stole through a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in the new year.

Ms Hamer was not a patient at St Michael's but named the hospice as her principal beneficiary.  

Julian Avery, President of St Michael’s Hospice, said: “Andrea Garrick was a trusted member of our Senior Management Team and the decision to report the incident to the Police was made with a heavy heart, but we were duty bound to take action.

"It is vitally important to ensure we safeguard money left to the Hospice in people's wills and that these funds are received in full for the use intended.

"We have a public duty to make sure we respect every donation made to the Hospice and take these responsibilities very seriously.

"This prosecution brings to an end a very unfortunate episode which, in addition to the large financial impact, has caused a great deal of pain and distress for Trustees, members of staff and many others who support St Michael’s Hospice in so many ways.”

He added: "A charge has been placed on her property with a view to recovering as much of the money due to the Hospice as possible over time."