Lesley Mathison, 49, from Bo’ness, pled guilty previously at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to embezzling the cash between May 2011 and September 2013.

The court heard that Ms Mathison used her company credit card to make purchases for herself and her family.

She was also making cash withdrawals ranging from £50 to £250, most under £100.

Sentence had been deferred until Friday (March 31) for reports.

Mathison, who had a previous conviction for embezzlement, was employed as an administrative officer and business support officer for Abbeyfield in Edinburgh.

She was also making cash withdrawals ranging from £50 to £250, most under £100.

Defence solicitor David Patterson told Sheriff Frank Crowe that his client accepted full responsibility and was remorseful, but could offer little explanation why she had acted in this way.

He said: “It is clear her behaviour was compulsive. She understand now her actions were a huge breach of trust and one which has great consequences for the business she embezzled the funds from.”

Mr Patterson added that it was only when her actions were detected and she was being sacked that she fully appreciated what she had done.

Sheriff Crowe said that only a custodial sentence was appropriate and jailed her for 18 months.