NC <\/p>\n
Alison McWilliam told a disciplinary hearing that despite the stress of her son being at the scene of the terror -attack she did not return to gambling. <\/p>\n
McWilliam left her local summer festival committee with just 18p in its account in 2014, a sheriff court was told last year. <\/p>\n
The modern studies teacher, from Duns, Berwickshire, ended up with a criminal record and is now fighting for her career in front of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). <\/p>\n
The 56-year-old was sacked from her job at Kelso High School and could be struck off if found unfit to teach. <\/p>\n
I turned to gambling to occupy my mind, but it became a crutch <\/p>\n
Alison McWilliam <\/p>\n
At a hearing in Edinburgh, McWilliam revealed she was involved in a car accident in 2014 which resulted in the death of an elderly woman. <\/p>\n
But when her son, Grant, 22, was caught up in the horror attack at the Ariana Grande concert she did not turn to gambling again. <\/p>\n
She said: I turned to gambling to occupy my mind, but it became a crutch. My son was at the Manchester Arena when it was attacked. It really put me in a difficult position. <\/p>\n
NC <\/p>\n
I spoke to people in my support network, family members were up and around as well. I used my medication well, and the people around me wisely. <\/p>\n
I am a good person that did a bad thing, I made a mistake. I would ask for fairness, to judge me by what I do. <\/p>\n
McWilliam admitted she had placed bets over the past 12 months but was undergoing counselling and attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings. <\/p>\n
Her lawyer, Jamie Foulis, said: Her conduct is remediable, and has been remedied, or is at least in the process of being remedied. <\/p>\n
But GTCS presenting officer Deborah Russell disagreed saying: This is a very serious complaint. Its not an insignificant amount, done at a time when the registrant was in a position of trust. <\/p>\n
McWilliam, who had been a member of the Duns Summer Festival committee for 15 years, and Treasurer for eight, has since repaid the money that she stole. <\/p>\n
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Here is the original post:<\/p>\n
Teacher stole to feed gambling addiction tells court: Manchester tragedy proves I'm cured - Express.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NC Alison McWilliam told a disciplinary hearing that despite the stress of her son being at the scene of the terror -attack she did not return to gambling. Continue reading