Greencross Silkstone vet worker Lydia Serene Scott faces Ipswich Court for stealing $14k from workplace

A vet worker with a baby on the way swiped over $14k from the clinic where she worked in a sneaky attempt to ease her own financial burdens, a court has heard.

Lydia Serene Scott leaves Ipswich Court on January 29, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

A vet worker has faced a southeast Queensland court today for stealing a significant sum of money from her workplace.

Bellbird Park mum Lydia Serene Scott, 32, pleaded guilty on January 29 to one count of stealing by clerks and servants.

The Ipswich Magistrates’ Court heard Ms Scott had been working at Greencross Vet in Silkstone when she stole a “significant amount of money” from the clinic.

Between March and September 2021, she stole a total of $14,191.65, the court heard.

Magistrate Jason Schubert noted Ms Scott was 22 weeks pregnant and under some financial pressures at the time.

“They may explain but they do not excuse your offending,” he said.

“People in similar circumstances to you have gone to jail and actually served a period of actual custody for lesser amounts than that.”

The court heard Ms Scott now had a second child on the way.

She had lost her work at Greencross Vet as a result of her offending, but since gained employment elsewhere.

Mr Schubert said Ms Scott had no previous criminal history and had not offended since.

She had already repaid $8996 of the money taken and intended to repay the full amount, the court heard.

Mr Schubert said by the “absolute barest of margins” he would offer Ms Scott a period of probation.

She was sentenced to serve two years’ probation and ordered to repay restitution in full within six months.

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Greencross Silkstone vet worker Lydia Serene Scott faces Ipswich Court for stealing $14k from workplace