A WOMAN who pretended she had cancer to avoid facing court charges has had £30,000 seized from her.

Fiona Barnes, from Dunblane, embezzled the money while project manager at the Clydebank Social Enterprise, looking after a Big Lottery Fund grant. When caught, the 52-year-old faked documents to show she had terminal cancer in an attempt to avoid facing criminal charges. She eventually admitted embezzling £30,781 and perverting the course of justice.

Prosecutors pursued a case against her through proceeds of crime legislation and a confiscation order for £30,781 was granted at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.