A village sub-postmistress who stole more than £15,000 to shore up the ailing shop side of the business has been spared a jail sentence.

Janet Ryan was told by a judge he considered the community would not be best served by sending her to prison.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 49-year-old “borrowed” £15,517 from Appledore post office in The Street over a nine-month period.

Ryan and her husband took over the post office and shop in June 2006 when it was said to be “somewhat rundown”.

Frank Winslett, defending, said the couple worked hard and to some extent it paid off. In 2007, it won an award for best village shop in the south.

But in June last year an audit revealed a “hole” in accounts. Ryan made full and frank admissions she had taken the money.

Warwick Tatford, prosecuting, said it had become apparent a large amount of cheques produced at the post office never arrived at the central office.

When interviewed, Ryan said she borrowed the money because there were problems with the shop.

“She was frank enough to admit full dishonesty,” said Mr Tatford. “She had hidden money stolen by inventing transactions, saying the money had been spent.

“Theft of about £1,400 had been hidden by inflation of the amount of Euros there. A large hole was found in the accounts.

“Part of the hole involved genuine mistakes, some £3,000. She has paid the money back.”

Mr Winslett said it was apparent Ryan, who admitted theft and nine fraud offences, would be found out when there was an audit.

“The business is still running,” he said. “It had a manager. It is run by Mr Ryan. It is up for sale and there is a buyer on the horizon.”

Mr Winslett said of the offences: “Clearly, it was a position of trust. The money wasn’t used for a lavish lifestyle.

“It was to some extent to keep their dream alive. She accepts full responsibility.”

Ryan was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and order to complete 200 hours community payback.