Jennifer Ann Murchie: Kingaroy mother sentenced for stealing thousands from touch footy club

A Kingaroy woman broke down in court after admitting she fleeced tens of thousands of dollars out of a community organisation while serving as treasurer. Full details:

A Kingaroy mother of five with spend the next three months in a jail cell, after admitting to stealing more than $24,000 from a local sporting club.

Jennifer Ann Murchie broke down as she told the court she “hit rock bottom” after her offending, which took place between July and December 2018 and saw her funnel off $24,258.55 from the Kingaroy Touch Football Association.

Despite her pleas of remorse, the 48-year-old refused to reveal what she used the money for.

The Kingaroy Magistrates Court heard it was unlikely it would be paid back.

At the time of the offending, Murchie was treasurer of the touch football club where her children competed.

Between July and December 2018, Murchie took cash payments made by players of the association but the money never reached the club’s bank account.

She also cashed multiple cheques from the club account, which were not used for the purposes of the club.

Murchie resigned from the position of treasurer in December 2018, and the new treasurer reported attempting to obtain receipts and outstanding cheques from Murchie and being unable to.

Jennifer Ann Murchie (right) leaves Kingaroy Court on April 28, 2022. Picture: Dominic Elsome

The matter was listed for a trial in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on June 27, 2022, but Murchie instead pleaded guilty to the seven counts of stealing by clerks or servants.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair asked whether she was capable of paying back the money owing, with Murchie saying she would need to ask her brother for assistance.

Mr Sinclair said he saw “little prospect” in her being able to pay the money back.

While the offences were described as “unsophisticated” and their discovery almost inevitable, he said the theft of the money was still “very serious”.

“People in positions of trust, whether it’s a company, or a club or a business, cannot put their hands into the till,” he said.

Murchie was sentenced to 18 months’ jail, with a parole release date set for September 27.

No order for restitution was made.