Gambling addict Sarah Tyler, 58, from Blackwood made payments from Cardiff conveyancing and debt recovery practice Hek Jones that ended up in her personal bank account.
The defendant would make transfers to “unwitting” friends, Facebook acquaintances and family members.
She would then ask them to return the money to her account as she had sent it to them by mistake.
Tyler plundered client assets being held by Hek Jones as well as diverting cash earmarked for tax payments to the HM Revenue & Customs and Welsh Revenue Authority.
Christopher Evans, prosecuting, told Cardiff Crown Court: “There was an element of sophistication and planning to this offence.”
The defendant has been declared bankrupt which means it is unlikely that she will be in a position to pay compensation towards the loss of £883,976.93.
In a victim personal statement, Hek Jones director Alexandra Jenkins described the devastating impact Tyler’s actions have had.
“She was a trusted and respected member of the firm,” she revealed. “There was nothing to suspect she would engage in the criminal conduct that followed.
“The emotional impact on the directors was immediate – we were shocked, distressed and felt deeply betrayed.
“It has placed a significant burden on the company.
“The stress, worry and uncertainty have been ongoing.
“Our business has suffered an immeasurable loss and the impact will remain with us on a daily basis.”
When the defendant was confronted by her boss, Mr Evans said: “She responded by apologising and accepting that she had abused her position.
“She confirmed that no one else was involved and that it was her doing.”
Tyler had worked for Hek Jones for 13 years.
The defendant, of Coundley Close, Fleur-de-Lys admitted fraud with the offence being committed between January 3, 2016 and November 18, 2021.
She had no previous convictions.
Tyler, who is single and has daughters, had continued to chase her gambling losses, was a heavy drinker and suffers with mental health problems, the court heard.
Hashim Salmman representing her said: “One of the crazy things about this offence is that there is nothing really left which makes it so senseless.
“Her best mitigation is her early guilty plea – she made immediate admissions to her employer and the police.”
Judge Vanessa Francis told Tyler: “You said you knew it was only a matter of time before you were caught.
“You described it as a ticking time bomb.
“You knew what you were doing and you knew it was dishonest.
“This was an extraordinarily large sum on money.”
She added: “I accept that your remorse is genuine.
“You describe your actions as absolutely disgusting and vile.”
Tyler was jailed for four years and four months.
A victim surcharge must be paid following her release from prison.
