Kirkwall woman pleads guilty to £1.5million fraud charge

A Kirkwall woman attempted to swindle more than £1.5million by depositing fraudulent cheques, Kirkwall Sheriff Court heard this Wednesday.

Lisa Margaret Groundwater, 38, admitted forming a fraudulent scheme by depositing five cheques at Royal Bank of Scotland over the course of nine weeks, to a total sum of £1,527,050.

These cheques were deposited under the pretence that Groundwater had sufficient funds in various bank accounts in her name and in the name of her husband, Kevin, 45.

According to the charge, a total of £485,021.99 was not recovered by Royal Bank of Scotland, to its loss.

Appearing virtually at Kirkwall Sheriff Court, Groundwater pleaded guilty. Her sentence was deferred for reports until March 16. She remains on bail, pending sentence.

More in next week’s edition of The Orcadian, available in shops and online from Wednesday, February 23.