Robyn Lunney, a serial thief, was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for stealing over half a million dollars from a family-owned business in Melbourne’s south-east. Using her position as a bookkeeper at Cut Price Kitchens, Lunney made unauthorized payments to her personal bank account, disguised as company expenses and inflated wages. She spent the stolen money on frivolous extravaganzas, including beauty treatments and clothes, totaling $561,922 across 221 transactions over four years.
Dressed in a blue jumper with her hair tied back, Lunney appeared in the County Court of Victoria and only spoke to confirm her name. The court heard that she used her role at the cabinet-making business to transfer company funds into her account, ranging from a few hundred dollars to nearly $8000 per transaction. These transactions were used to fund her lavish lifestyle, including $100,000 on fashion, products, and beauty treatments. Lunney’s scheme was uncovered by the company’s owners after she left and they were training a new bookkeeper.
The Cut Price Kitchens owners discovered Lunney’s theft when they revised the books and found the unauthorized transactions. Lunney had used her employer’s bank account as her personal chequebook, taking advantage of her position as a trusted employee. The stolen money was used for personal expenses rather than legitimate business purposes. Lunney’s actions have led to her imprisonment and charges by police for similar allegations at another business.
In court documents released to the media, it was revealed that Lunney’s thefts occurred between 2016 and 2020, highlighting the extent of her fraudulent activities over several years. The company suffered financial losses as a result of her actions, impacting their operations and bottom line. Lunney’s sentencing serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to misuse their positions for personal gain, emphasizing the consequences of such unethical behavior.
Lunney’s case sheds light on the importance of internal controls and oversight within businesses to prevent employee theft and fraud. By having checks and balances in place, companies can detect and deter such illegal activities, protecting their financial assets and reputations. Lunney’s actions have had far-reaching consequences for both the company she stole from and her own future, serving as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to engage in similar criminal behavior.
