Kingston University student has narrowly escaped jail after siphoning off more than £5,500 from her town centre employer to pay off debts.

Magistrates told 23-year-old Tafadzwa Ndagurwa on Tuesday, February 17, that they were only persuaded not to impose a custodial sentence after hearing from her defence solicitor that her actions were completely out of character.

Ndagurwa, a masters student from Manford Way, Chigwell, admitted stealing £5,517 from The Money Shop in Castle Street between October and November 2008 by cashing fraudulent cheques.

When the store launched an investigation, Ndagurwa, who had been an employee since 2005, admitted the offence. The court heard how, when her house was searched, £968 was recovered.

Defence solicitor Sara Mitchell said her client realised the severity of the offence and was deeply embarrassed by actions which she described as “opportunistic”.

Ms Mitchell said Ndagurwa had already written to the shop apologising for the theft and pledging to repay the money.

She said: “It is very clear to me that she feels a great sense of shame that she has brought upon herself and her family.

“She was in a position of trust and realises she has let her colleagues and manager down.”

Ndagurwa broke down in tears as magistrate Sharon Eden said they had decided to punish her with a community order rather than a prison sentence.

She was ordered to complete an 18-month community order with a six month supervision requirement, do 250 hours of unpaid work and repay The Money Store the £4,554 outstanding in compensation.

A Kingston University spokeswoman said they would now assess whether to take disciplinary action.

“Now that this case has concluded the university will be investigating the matter and taking appropriate action,” she said.