A former bookkeeper stole £678k from a UK business, causing its collapse, job losses, and lasting harm to the owner.

A Redditch businessman, John Stratton, revealed the severe personal and financial toll of a £678,636 fraud by his former bookkeeper, Donna Rowand, who was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2025. Rowand, 47, stole from Concept Display Systems Ltd—founded in 1992—by funneling funds into fake supplier accounts using her own bank details, exploiting subtle name changes to evade detection. The fraud, undetected by accountants, led to the company’s voluntary liquidation, 18 job losses, and significant damage to Stratton’s mental health and reputation. Though six former employees were rehired, Stratton continues to struggle with stress and financial strain, including ongoing issues with HMRC. The case underscores the devastating impact of internal fraud on small businesses and their communities.