'Greedy' conwoman arrested after flying from Manchester to Turkey following £150k charity theft

A fugitive conwoman who fled the country after stealing more than £150,000 from the charity she worked for has been arrested in Turkey. 'Greedy' Donna Wells 'took flight' from the UK two days before she was due to face justice over her long-running campaign of fraud, the Liverpool Echo reports.

The charity boss transferred tens of thousand of pounds out of her employers' bank account and into that of her friend's butty van, a court heard. She also stole cash and bought gift vouchers for herself using the company credit card.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that she was held by police after arriving back into the country on Saturday afternoon. Joanne Maxwell, prosecuting, described how the fugitive remained silent upon being cautioned by officers.

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Upon entering the dock, Wells - who appeared to be heavily pregnant - said "I don't want you here" to a woman in the public gallery, who then left the courtroom. Wearing all black and clutching her stomach, she admitted breaching court bail.

Helen Chenery, defending, told the court that her client was arrested last Monday, August 14, in Turkey and was held in an immigration centre before being flown home at the weekend. She added: "There is nothing particularly sophisticated or elaborate as to her reason for not attending.

"Quite simply, she was frightened. She knew what the inevitable outcome would be.

"She means no disrespect, although she understands that it might look the way. She apologises through me."

Wells was handed an additional four weeks behind bars for breaching bail. She nodded and said 'thank you' as she was taken down to the cells.

Sentencing, Recorder Eric Lamb said: