KEY POINTS:
A New Zealander who stole A$337,000 ($391,000) from her Australian employer - and blew it on drugs, gambling and travel - wants to return home after serving her six years jail sentence.
And early parole is likely to mean she will be home in time for Christmas next year.
The District Court in Brisbane was told Kim Michelle McMillan, 41, used the money to gamble, buy methamphetamine and travel to New Zealand, the Courier-Mail newspaper reported today.
Prosecutor Julie Aylward said McMillan worked for an insurance broker where she and two other staff were responsible for processing incoming payment cheques.
McMillan intercepted some cheques before they reached the other two and deposited them into a false account for a social club.
To cover the shortfall, money was moved from dormant accounts, and the thefts were only discovered after she resigned her job.
McMillan pleaded guilty to fraud.
Barrister Scott Lynch, for McMillan, said his client was depressed at the time because of a family death and a difficult relationship, and began gambling at the Brisbane casino.
Mr Lynch said McMillan wanted to return to New Zealand after completing her jail term so she could make a fresh start.
He claimed she received incentives to continue gambling, including a birthday card and voucher for a free bottle of wine which he said the casino sent to McMillan last month.
Judge Hugh Botting said because of the mitigating circumstances he would recommend she be eligible for parole on December 19, 2009.
- NZPA
