A THIEVING bookkeeper has been ordered to pay back almost £220,000 she stole from a family crisp firm near Colchester.

Alison Balm spent four years regularly transferring money into her personal account and granting herself bonuses before splashing the cash on a lavish lifestyle for her and her family.

An investigation was launched into her activities at Fairfield Farm Crisps and the alleged actions of her co-accused husband, Alan, who killed himself after the investigation began.

Balm, 51, admitted theft by employee and was jailed for three years in July, 2015, although she was released from prison by October 2016.

A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation followed to see if any money could be repaid to the Wormingford crisp farm owners within the two-year time limit.

Weeks before the time limit ran out, a confiscation order was finally issued by Judge Patricia Lynch QC at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

She said: “I declare that Alison Balm’s criminal benefit is £218,038.75.

“A sum is available that is exactly the same and I make a confiscation order of that sum.

“The money will be made available to Robert and Laura Strathern, trading as Fairfield Farm.

“The sum should be paid within 28 days and a default period of 12 months imprisonment will be placed.

“As I understand, payment can be made easily with that period.”

The money is believed to have been made available after the release of funds from her husband’s will.

During previous hearings, the court heard the release of the assets was delayed by Mr Balm’s sister and a law firm, who are executors of the will.

There were claims Mr Balm owed money after a company he ran, called Helix Garage Limited, was liquidated in 2009.

Mrs Balm’s bank account has been frozen throughout the process.

Balm, formerly of Rectory Meadow, Bradwell, got her husband a job at the family firm and convinced the owners to give her pay rises while stealing from them.

Money was spent on holidays at £2,000 a time.